
1 



Memory of 



wMMWmS^iSmSLWm 



LLIAM • WELLS 




PRj;.SK.\'TI-;i) HY 




I.KONZE Statue of 
Bhigadikr and Brevet Major-General William Wells U. S. Volunteers 



DEDICATION 
OF THE STATUE TO 

BREVET MAJOR-GENERAL 
WILLIAM WELLS 

AND THE OFFICERS AND MEN OF THE 
FIRST RE(;iMENT VERMONT CAVALRY 



ON THE BATTLEFIELD OF GETTYSBURG 
JULY 3, 1913 



PRIVATKLY PRINTED 
1914 



Uj^^[T\^5 






H, 



IN AFFECTIONATE MEMORY 

OF 

MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM WELLS 

HIS FAMILY 

AND 

HIS COMRADES IN ARMS 



PREFACE 

THE compiling of the following pages has been a 
labor of love. 
The unveiling and dedication on the battlefield 
of Gettysburg, July 3, 1913, of the memorial erected 
in honor of Major-General Wells and officers and men 
of the First Vermont Cavalry, on Confederate Avenue, 
in front of Round Top, was an occasion never to be 
forgotten by all who were present, men of the North, 
and men of the South. This charge of the First Ver- 
mont Cavalry was so swallowed up in the nudtitudinous 
incidents of the great battle that few have followed it 
as it deserves. I am proud to say that Vermont, 
however, remembers well her gallant sons in this 
soul-stirring feat and that by a happy thought the 
Legislature of the State made an appropriation for a 
monument to be erected near the spot from which 
the regiment started upon its memorable charge. 

Burlington, Vermont 
October 13, 1913 



An Act to Provide for Procuring and Erecting on the 
Bcdtlefield of Gettysburg a Monument to General 
JJ^illiaui Udells and the Officers and the Enlisted Men 
of tJie First Regiment, Vermont Cavalry. 

It is hereby enacted by the General Assembly of the 
State of Vermont: 

Section 1. The sum of six thousand dollars, or so 
much thereof as may be necessary, is hereby appro- 
priated for the purpose of erecting a monument on the 
battlefield of Gettysburg and for suitably preparing 
the ground and foundation therefor, commemorating 
the services and perpetuating the memory of General 
William Wells and the officers and enlisted men of the 
First Regiment, Vermont Cavalry. 

Section 2. The governor shall, on or before the 
first day of January, 1913, appoint five commissioners 
to carry out the provisions of this act, and the auditor 
of accounts is hereby directed to draw his order for 
the sum of six thousand dollars, or any part thereof as 
the work progresses, in favor of such commissioners 
whenever they shall make requisition for the same. 
Section 3. This act shall take effect from its passage. 
Charles A. Plumley, 

Speaker of the House of 
Representatives. 
Frank E. Howe, 

President of the Senate. 
Approved December 20, 1912. 
Allen M. Fletcher, 

Governor. 




Seymour H. Wood 

Barney Decker, Chairman 



tiEORGE L. McBriue 



John E. McClellan 



Henry O. Wheeler 



His Excellency, Allen M. Fletcher, Governor 
OF Vermont, Appointed the Following Com- 
missioners: 

Barney Decker, Chairman 

Seymour H. Wood 

George L. McBride 

Henry O. Wheeler 

John E. McClellan 



MEETINGS OF THE COMMISSIONERS 

THE Commissioners held their first meeting in 
Burhngton, Vermont, December 21, 1913, INIr. 
Barney Decker, Chairman, being the only mem- 
ber of the Commission absent. General Theodore S. 
Peck and General Lee S. Tillotson, the Adjutant- 
General, were also present, General Peck being made 
Secretary of the Commission and General Tillotson its 
Treasurer. 

In view of the limited time before the monument 
must be in position, July 1, 1913, and the high recom- 




General Lee S. Tillotson 



General Theodore S. Peck 
Secretary 



mendation which had been accorded the Van Amringe 
Granite Company, of Boston, Massachusetts, it was 

5 



IN AFFECTIONATE MEMORY OF 

decided to request them to have a representative 
present at the next meeting of the Commission. 

The Commissioners held their second meeting in 
Burhngton, on January 6, 1913, all the Commissioners 
being present, also the Treasurer and Secretary. By 
special invitation Chaplain John E. Goodrich of the 
Regiment was invited, as well as the members of the 
Wells family, which included Charles Wells, Frederick 
Howard Wells, the two surviving brothers of General 
Wells; the General's son and daughter, Frank R. Wells 
and Mrs. Bertha R. Wells Jackson; her husband. Dr. 
H. Nelson Jackson, and George M. Besett, Managing 
Director, Wells & Richardson Company. The Com- 
missioners regretted very much that General Wells' 
sister, Mrs. Sarah Carpenter Wells Brock, and her 
husband, the Honorable James W. Brock, on account 
of sickness, were unable to be present. Mr. Van 
Amringe, President of the Van Amringe Granite Com- 
pany, was also present. 

The Secretary, General Peck, reported to the Com- 
mission that a delegation had been appointed by the 
First Vermont Cavalry Association in the fall of 1910 
to go to Gettysburg and confer with the Gettysburg 
National Military Park Commission about the loca- 
tion of the site for the monument, and that on Octo- 
ber 30, 1910, this site had been granted by the War 
Department.^ 



'While cat Gettysburg Colonel Nicholson, Chairman of the Commission, 
assured the Vermonters that when the monument was in position a vista 
would be cut from that point to the granite monument of the First Regi- 
ment Vermont Cavalry erected by the State in 1889, a distance of some one 
thousand yards. 

6 



MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM WELLS 

Commissioner McBride stated that he was author- 
ized to inform the Commission that the sum of two 
thousand dollars had been added to the State's appro- 
priation by members of the Regiment. Mr. Van 
Amringe brought Avith him several photographs of 
work which his house had done and said that within 
the time given he could finish a monument which 
would be in every way worthy of what it commemo- 
rated and meet the approval of all interested. He also 
stated that while at Gettysburg, several years ago, he 
had the pleasure of meeting General AYells with Dr. 
Edson, They went over the field with him and also 
gave him a description of the charge, and for this 
reason it would be especially pleasing to him to do 
the work. Colonel John P. Nicholson, Chairman of 
the Gettysburg National Military Park Commission, 
declared Mr. Van Amringe, was particularly interested 
in this monument; indeed, during all his intercourse 
with him for over thirty years he had never known 
him to show^ so much interest in any statue except that 
of his own father. 

Mr. Van Amringe agreed that his firm would furnish 
a bond to have the work completed by July 1, 1913, 
and the contract was accordingly drawn up and the 
bond executed. 

The Commission then took up the details of the 
work and endeavored in every way possible to furnish 
the contractors with material and information to 
enable them to erect the finest memorial possible of 
the charge of the afternoon of July 3, 18G3. 



ANNUAL REPORTS. WAR DEPARTMENT 
FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE iO. I') II 



REPORT OF THE 

GETTYSBURG NATIONAL 

MILITARY PARK 

COMMISSION 



91 




WASHINGTON 

GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 

I'll I 



STATL'E TO I1\T. M,\|. GEN. WILLIAM WELLS 

A committee of the First Vermont Cavalr}- c.ime from Vermont to 
select a site for a statue to Bvt. Maj. Gen. William Wells, 'colonel of 
First ^'ermoIlt Cavalry, aiul on October 30, 1910, accompanied bv the 
commission visited the battle field in the vicinity of the operations of that 
regiment in its desperate charge tlirough the" lines of the Confederate 
Army on July 3, li^f^J,. 

After carefully considering si.\eral .appropriate sites, the committee 
unanimously agreed on a location on section 7, at a bo\slder on the south 
side of the avenue, 270 feet west of the bridge over Phim Run, and a map 
of the po.iticn lias been made showing the site selected and the held of 
operations in tlie Lliargc. 



FORTY-FIRST ANNUAL MEETING OF 
THE VERMONT CAVALRY REUNION SOCIETY 

The forty-first annual meeting of the survivors of the First 
Regiment Vermont Cavahy will be held on the battlefield of 
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in connection with the semi-centennial 
celebration of that battle. 

All Vermont cavalrymen, in whatever State they may now 
reside, are earnestly invited to be present. 

Business meeting will be held in the "great tent" on Wednesday, 
July 2, at 10 o'clock, a. m. (If it becomes necessary to change 
the hour of holding the meeting, due notice of such change will 
be posted at the headquarters of the Vermont contingent.) 

Conn-ades will report at Vermont headquarters immediately on 
arrival at Gettysburg, register and procure badges furnished ex- 
pressly for this celebration. 

Services of unveiling and dedication of the Memorial in honor 
of General William Wells and officers and men of the First Vermont 
Cavalry will be held at 3:30 o'clock, p. m., July 3, 1913, near 
the spot where the second battalion crossed Plum Run on the 
charge of July 3, 1863. These services will be of unusual interest 
and it is expected and hoped that all survivors of the regiment 
who are physically able will be present. 

Owing to advance in price by the manufacturers, the society 
badges will, in future, be two dollars and fifty cents each; this 
price will include membership fee. 

Deaths. Families of deceased members who receive this 
notice are requested to notify the secretary of the date of such 
decease. 

Myron M. Parker, President, 
1418 F Street, N. W., Washington, D. C. 

H. O. Wheeler, Treasurer, 

Burlington, Vermont. 

S. H. Wood, Secretary, 

Saint Albans, Vermont, 

Saint Albans, Vermont, June 2, 1913. 

10 



BURLINGTON, VT., JUNE 5, 1913. 



by direction of his excellency, allen m. 
fletcher. governor of vermont, the commission- 
ers appointed by him to have charge of the 
erection of a monument on the battlefield of 
gettysburg in honor of the officers and men 
of the first regiment vermont cavalry and 
their distinguished commander, major general 
william wells. respectfully invite you to be 
present at the dedicatory exercises, which will 
take place on that historic field at 3.30 
o'clock on the afternoon of july 3, 1913, this 
being the fiftieth anniversary of that terrific 
charge near round top in which so many of 
the members of this regiment "paid to the na- 
tion the uttermost tribute of devotion." 

The Exercises will be in charge of the 
Vermont cavalry Association, of which Colonel 
MYRON M. Parker of Washington, d C, is Presi- 
dent. 

We would APPRECIATE THE FAVOR OF AN 

early reply. 

Very Sincerely, 

barney decker, chairman^ 

seymour h. wood i 

George Mcbride [►Commissioners 

HENRY O. Wheeler 

JOHN E. McCLELLAN 



Secretary. 





Charles Wells 
Brother of General William Wells 



CHARLES \YELLS 

IN January, 1863, when a boy of eighteen, Charles 
Wells left \\ aterbury, Vermont, to join his brother, 
Major WilliamWells, at the front, and in that same 
month joined the F'irst Vermont Cavalry at Fort Scott, 
Virginia. He remained with the command some eight 
months, and was present with ^Nlajor Wells in the 
Gettysburg campaign. In August, 1803, he left the 
regiment and returned home. Later he removed to 
Wawpun, Wisconsin, where he enlisted as a private in 
Company B, Forty-first Wisconsin Infantry, and went 
to Memphis, Tennessee, the regiment forming a part 
of the Sixteenth Army Corps, ]\Iajor-General A. J. 
Smith connnanding. At Memphis he was in action 
against the raid of Confederate General Forrest. lie 
was mustered out with his regiment in September, 
1864. 

It was a source of deep regret to tlie members of the 
First Vermont Cavalry Regimental Association that 
Comrade AVells could not be with them at the dedica- 
tory exercises, especially as he was one of the party 
who selected the site for the monument, and it was 
their wish to have him assist the other members of the 
familj^ in unveiling the statue of (ieneral Wells, but, 
owing to the condition of his health, his physician 
considered it too great an undertaking. He was by 
no means forgotten, however, and was often spoken of 
most lovingly by his many friends and comrades. 



13 



It was expected that Honorable James W. Brock, 
with Mrs. Brock, would be present at the unveiling ex- 
ercises, but illness prevented, much to the regret of 
their many friends in the regiment. 

The Vermont Cavalrymen remember with great 
pleasure Mr. Brock's desire that the battlefield of Get- 
tysburg should have a fitting memorial in honor of 
their desperate charge on the afternoon of July 3, 18G3, 
and his efficient services toward securing the monu- 
ment. 




Mrs. Sarah Carpenter Wells Bklx k 
Sister of tieneral Wells 



Honorable James W. Broik. 




Surgeon-Major P. O'M. Edson 






A^^^ .^^ ^-./^ .^^i:^ /r^^.> .i^v^^- 




Honorable George F. Edmunds 
United States Senator from Vermont. Elected 1866. Resigned 1891 



841 South Orant^e Grove Avenue, 
Pasadena, California, June 14, 1913. 



I have received vour kind invitation to Mrs. Edmunds, 
our daughter and myself to attend the Dedioatorv Exercises at Gettys- 
bur?li in honor of the late Major General William Wells. 

«e ail Greatly rci'ret that it is ii-nossiMe for anv of us to he 
present. General 'Aells was a ^reat solcier and deserves the proposed 
honor to his memory. 



I am, m haste. 

Very truly your:^. 



General T. S. Peck, 

Secretsrv ■ic. 

Burlington, Vermont. 



y 




Chaplain John E. GoooRirn 
First Vermont Cavalry 

The Commission is under great obligations to our Chaplain, John E. Goodrich, for 
the valuable aid rendered them in their work, particularly in the tablet inscriptions, 
which have been oronounced as among the very finest at Gettysburg. 




Major-General James H. Wilson, U. S. Voluntet'rs 



jame:> h. Wilson 

Tune 1 i^t.'r. , 1 vi:'. 
T. ". Peck, Kao. , 

15? Collef-f Ptr eet , 

Wy d'^ar ''r . Vfck: 

T- v;-2.'^ a veiy -:lea'-;j'T . , ■• ; -.r-.- ■•-•.- two weeks 

ahsc'-re in f>->e wes*" t'-' re^'^i-^- *'• ■" -v yo'j Covernor ^et- 

chei-'E very cordial in^i'lta^ion to .^oin in ''^'^ e'er! i.oa* ion 

rj-r rKg "ermont monument +0 ^'^^ ^irs* 'ReriTien'' C "ennon''" 

Cav-ilry ^nd -o its I'j.st r-ior1onjb corn'nnn'?<'r , o^n r'c^.d friend 

'■'a.ior i^ener ^1 '"illiam '•'•'ells. "o -rnn est<"e-n»d eit'-^er the 

'■ '-i-:<-nt or itr '' - " r~--i,-,n^i .,,-,,^ , ■:->• . -.^ r ^^^ ^^i'^ 

I riTi rlad to notn th: "■ . ' ■ r^-s-^inr' "'Jnder V^" 

9 

Old ^lar" his rercei- ^ ■ . ;rV T enrtenvorcd 

': o expres; -y 'horo'i'-'- ;e: ■ r- • •;■• , • • •■ nrir^.l rs tio-n ''o'' 

t''i' flrf.t ''ermont c- ■' ■:\'^df^> . ""^e-- 

wet t> .-i& food soldiers r -■ '.r-^n uni*'or-: 

and ti^at is the !ii:-^hfftt ■ ■ ■ . • i-r man car 
f;i\'e them. 

• ■ ■ et svoe^'d i nrl.V t'a^ ' ' ' ' ys- 

1^ -<■ r- on i^e Fi-ep_' orca; i ■ ,' ; l-.'-e ■ 1 o'l * o 

;v-at h.it'oric -fjelri. ""> i ^■'!)^ r;i•^ ■■ ■ >> -i-rA 

r^ an in-- in&tr.r.oo t ■ ■ ■ 



t-ri- 'niles Hwny on ti^at eve-f-A Hay. It 'Ji'as my roid ^or 

tune to -srry the n fsr '■ , ;..<- a-ri 'o donand the s-urren- 

der of ■"■Inkslv.irp on ti-e n '■ ' ». o- -,1;.- r^^, i .■•;. As you 

-A-ell. kno-^ t^^e -arre^.^a- - -.;•., tor • . ■ ;. ■ j ,., ^^d 

all. itf. •:irmE, v^e. s^oi-ec, took nl -re ti-e n^-^-t d -ly -nd T w.-r 

rresen* -n, i^ not r> r.?., t o<- ni 1. '-Wp .-ren' eve ' r. o'- t^o 

carniairn whi^^Vi ended at '" ' t •■,-- -i- ' • - 

Anofiei renaon If- '■•■,' '' - ;, •■, , ; , 

eral o*-f1oftr o <" ^he '-oT ;n' • . my -.v-o -— v^-: 

pendent com-r^nd In the last '^ ^i-ir ai <^n , I '--.nve not "een o^ 

fioiaTly incited hy -■.;.• • ■■ .- , .. -,..,„ r.ov---. - .^.ver 

to -e present at t^^e ■- r ' •■ :cn "n ' a^' -. -la,-' 

at Oettys>ur,T in */ e ."■.;- _ . ., ^ 

-' . ■ . .' ■_■ 

commltnr.nts it ;& no- oo late for ,ns to reconsider even 
f-hoi;id 6UC"'. an Invitation ''ina'ly reach me. 
—^ 'Vi.viin- you, *he Governor, and all the valiant sons 
o:- ''ermont who Join in that r-nrs'-kaMe re>inion every he- 
nor and con ■ idera*ion , v;it' at, rn\ir;n pr, ;,-;y-. , .. , „.,„ y.^ 
had from sdcI^ tol---.;! or ore :dlrirf I ^-i 



■ inde- 





General Edward H. Ripley 
Colonel Ninth Vermont Volunteers 



<'**'*5'C/»>»««/C 






^ 







U T^-W-V^ ^^'^'^^^^ L^ f,,^^C-^ 



^^^ 




/u 



,^<^<^<::^ 



-^, 



y 



^. 



/VV' 




Major-General D. M. M. Gregg, U. S. Volunteers 
Commanding Division of Cavalry, Army of the Potomac, at Battle of Gettysburg 



■ ^ h . ^ 

Oyyy^^ aAaju /nc^cLlj Uui^ /%1c^frte^.i ajcu^ 
cz.i etc. 3(^ &^yu£^ /:>cU.iujLcx^. a^^/u.,^^ 




Rear-Admiral Charles E. Clark. U. S. Navy 



The Porches 
Cragsmoor.N.Y 












(S^^^^^UlLf^ir^A /'^^^^/-^^V ^ fBJ*^^ii/\/'M^^*~'*X/f^ 




Colonel John P. Nicholson H.jnorable John C. Scofield 

Chairman Gettysburg National Military Assistant and Cliief Clerk of the War 

Park Commission Department 

Honorable Henry Breckinridge 
Acting Secretary of War 
Colonel E. B. Cope Major Charles A. Richardson 

U. S. Army Engineer in Chief Gettysburg National Military Park 

Commission 



WAR DEPARTMENT AND GETTYSBURG 
NATIONAL MILITARY PARK COMMISSION 

THE citizens of the State of Vermont, the officers 
and men of the Eirst Regiment, Vermont Cav- 
ahy, the monument commissioners, and the fam- 
ily of General Wells are loud in their praises of the 
courteous treatment received by them at the hands of 
the War Department and of the Gettysburg National 
Park Commission, and especially from Colonel John P. 
Nicholson, chairman, who personally rendered valuable 
assistance in the various and delicate details connected 
with the erection and dedication of the monument. 
From the time the Vermonters first visited Gettys- 
burg, in 1910, for the purpose of selecting a site, Colonel 
Nicholson manifested a strong desire that a memorial 
should be placed on that historic field which should 
fittingly "signalize the valor of the officers and men 
of the Eirst Regiment, Vermont Cavalry, who here 
paid to the nation the uttermost tribute of devotion," 
and forever stand as an object lesson in true patriotism. 



INVITED GUESTS 

A ]\IONG the distinguished guests invited are the 

/% following: 
1 \. His Excellency, Woodrow Wilson, President 
of the United States. 

Honorable William II. Taft, ex-President of the 
United States, New Haven, Connecticut. 

Honorable Theodore Roosevelt, ex-President of the 
United States and colonel "Rough Riders" Spanish- 
American War, New York. 

Honorable Lindley M. Garrison, secretary of war, 
Washington. 

Honorable Henry Breckinridge, assistant secretary of 
war, Washington. 

Honorable John C. Scofield, assistant and chief 
clerk of the War Department, Washington. 

His Excellency, John K. Tener, governor Common- 
wealth of Pennsylvania, Harrisburg. 

General Thomas J. Stewart, the adjutant-general 
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Harrisburg. 

Honorable William P. Dillingham, United States 
Senator from Vermont, Montpelier. 

Honorable Carroll S. Page, United States Senator 
from Vermont, Hyde Park. 

Honorable Erank Plumley, member of Congress from 
Vermont, Northfield. 

Honorable Frank L. Greene, member of Congress 
from Vermont, Saint Albans. 

32 



MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM WELLS 

Representing the United States Army: 

Lieiitenant-General Nelson A. Miles, U. S. A. (re- 
tired), Washington, D. C, second army corps, Army 
of the Potomac. 

Lientenant-General S. B. M. Young, LT. S. A. (re- 
tired), Washington, D. C, colonel Fourth Pennsyl- 
vania Cavalry, Sheridan's Cavalry Corps. 

Major-General Leonard Wood, chief of general staff, 
U. S. A., Washington, D. C. 

Major-General F. C. Ainsworth, U. S. A. (retired), 
Washington, D. C. 

Major-General James H. Wilson, U. S. A. (retired), 
AYilmington, Delaware. 

Brigadier-General Charles H. Tompkins, U. S. A. 
(retired), W^ashington, D. C. 

Brigadier-General Eugene D. Dimmick, LT. S. A. 
(retired), Washington, D. C, captain Fifth New York 
Cavalry. 

Brigadier-General Charles Shaler, U. S. A. (retired), 
Indianapolis, Indiana. 

Brigadier-General Walter S. Schuyler, U. S. A. (re- 
tired), Nevada City, California. 

Brigadier-General John M. Wilson,U. S. A. (retired), 
Washington, D. C. 

Colonel John C. Gresham, Tenth LT. S. Cavahy, and 
all officers of the Tenth Cavalry, Fort Ethan Allen, 
Vermont. 

Lieutenant-Colonel S. L. Faison, Fifth LT. S. In- 
fantry, and all officers of the Fifth Infantry, Plattsburg 
Barracks, New York. 

Lieutenant-Colonel Daniel L. Tate, LT. S. A., W^ash- 

ington, D. C. 

33 



IN AFFECTIONATE MEMORY OF 

Major James S. AYilson, medical corps, U. S. A., 
Fort Ethan Allen, Vermont. 

Major E. W. Evans, pay department, U. S. A., Fort 
Ethan Allen, Vermont. 

Major Francis J. Koester, U. S. A., adjutant- 
general's office, War Department, Washmgton, D. C. 

Major James E. Normoyle, quartermaster's depart- 
ment, U. S. A., Washington, D. C. 

Captain Ira L. Reeves, U. S. A. (retired), professor 
of military science and tactics. University of Vermont, 
Burlington, Vermont. 

Representing the United States Navy: 

Admiral George Dewey, U. S. N., Washington, D. C. 

Admiral Charles E. Clark, U. S. N., Washington, 
D. C. 

Honorable Horatio L. Wait, late commander, 
U. S. N., Chicago, Illinois. 

Representing the "Old Vermont Brigade''': 

Major-General Lewis A. Grant, commander, Min- 
neapolis, Minnesota. 

General Sumner H. Lincoln, U. S. A. (retired), 
colonel Sixth Vermont, San Francisco, California. 

General Stephen P. Jocelyn, U. S. A. (retired), 
private Sixth Vermont, Burlington, Vermont. 

Ex-Governor Samuel E. Pingree, lieutenant-colonel 
Third W'rmont, Hartford. 

Ex-Governor Urban A. Woodbury, first sergeant 
Company D, Second Vermont, Burlington, first empty 
sleeve from ^>rmont in War for the Union. 

34 



MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM WELLS 

Colonel Edward R. Campbell, Eleventh Vermont, 
Washington, D. C. 

A. J. Maxham, private Third Vermont, Washington, 
D. C. 

Colonel James H. Walbridge, colonel Second Ver- 
mont, Bennington. 

General Frank G. Butterfield, lieutenant-colonel 
Sixth Vermont, Derby Line. 

Honorable Henry T, Cushman, regimental quarter- 
master. Fourth Vermont, North Bennington. 

Honorable Byron C. Ward, first lieutenant Second 
Vermont, Gettysburg commissioner from Iowa, Des 
Moines, Iowa. 

Representing the Second Vermont Brigade: 

Colonel Heman W. xAllen, private Thirteenth Ver- 
mont, Gettysburg commissioner from Vermont, Bur- 
lington. 

Ex-Governor John A. Mead, private Twelfth Ver- 
mont, Rutland. 

General Crosby P. Miller, V. S. A. (retired), corporal 
Sixteenth Vermont, Burlington. 

Colonel Henry O. Clark, sergeant Thirteenth Ver- 
mont, East Orange, New Jersey. 

Colonel Frank Kenfield, lieutenant Thirteenth Ver- 
mont and captain Seventeenth Vermont, Morris- 
ville. 

Colonel AV. II. II. Slack, private Sixteenth Vermont, 
Springfield. 

General George H. Bond, private Sixteenth Vermont, 
Washington, D. C. 

35 



IN AFFECTIONATE MEMORY OF 

Represe7iting Other Vermont Regiments, Batteries, and 
SharpsJwoters: 

General William \Y. Henry, colonel Tenth Vermont, 
Burlington. 

General Edward H. Ripley, colonel Ninth Vermont, 
Mendon. 

Major Ira H. Evans, private Tenth Vermont (adju- 
tant general Second Division, Twenty-fifth Army 
Corps), Austin, Texas. 

Major Charles H. Foote, first lieutenant Michigan 
company. Second U. S. Sharpshooters, South Burling- 
ton. 

Honorable Cassius Peck, sergeant Vermont company, 
U. S. Sharpshooters, Burlington. 

General Joel H. Lucia, first lieutenant Seventeenth 
Vermont, Montpelier. 

Representing the Armies of the United States: 

General Horace Porter, U. S. A., aide-de-camp to 
General U. S. Grant commanding. New York City. 

Representing the Army of the Potomac: 

]Major-General Joshua L. Chamberlain, ex-governor 
of Maine, Fifth Corps, Portland. 

General Elisha H. Rhodes, colonel Second Rhode 
Island, Sixth Corps, Providence. 

Colonel Andrew Cowan, artillery battalion. Sixth 
Corps, Louisville, Kentucky. 

General James A. Beaver, colonel One Hundred and 
Fortieth Pennsylvania, First Corps, Belief onte, Penn- 
sylvania. 

36 



MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM ^YELLS 

General Thomas II. Hubbard, colonel Thirtieth 
Maine, New York City. 

Colonel Harry G. Cavenaugh, U. S. A. (retired), 
colonel First Delaware (Second Corps), New Castle, 
Delaware. 

Representing Sheridan's Cavalry Corps: 

Major-General David McM. Gregg, commanding 
First Division, Reading, Pennsylvania. 

General James M. Schoonmaker, colonel Fourteenth 
Pennsylvania and chairman of the Gettysburg com- 
mission from the State of Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh. 

Colonel Arnold A. Rand, Fourth Massachusetts 
Cavalry, Boston, Massachusetts. 

General Jonathan P. Cilley, colonel First Maine 
Cavalry, Rockland, Maine. 

General Horatio C. King, General Sheridan's Staff, 
Brooklyn, New York. 

Representing Confederate Armies: 
General E. M. Law, of Florida. 
General Andrew J. West, of Georgia. 
General Felix H. Robertson, of Texas. 
Edward C. Brush, of Massachusetts. 

Representing the Spanish-American War: 

Colonel Herbert S. Foster, LI. S. A. (retired), com- 
mander Vermont Commandery, Military Order of the 
Loyal Legion of the United States, North Calais, 
Vermont. 

Honorable Frank L. Greene, M. C, captain First 
Vermont Infantry, Saint Albans, Vermont. 

37 



MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM WELLS 

General Lee S. Tillotson, First Regiment Infantry, 
the adjutant-general of Vermont, Saint Albans. 

Representing the First Vermont Cavalry Regiment: 

General Charles H. Tompkins, U. S. A. (retired), 
third colonel of the regiment, Washington, D. C. 

Colonel Edward B. Sawyer, fourth colonel of the 
regiment, Hyde Park. 

Colonel John W. Bennett, lieutenant-colonel of the 
regiment, Chicago. 

Lieutenant P. C. J. Cheney, first lieutenant Com- 
pany C, Washington, Vermont. 

Major P. O'Meara Edson, surgeon, Roxbury, Massa- 
chusetts. 

Colonel Clarence D. Gates, adjutant, Burlington. 

Alphonzo L. Barrows, private, Company B, Burling- 
ton. 



THE DEDICATORY EXERCISES 
JULY 3, 1913 




Monument of Majoh-Genekal William Wells and P'irst Vermont Cavalry 
Showing Bas Relief 




Miih; \ lEW OP Statue, Showing Tablet Number One 




SiO^. \ IKW ,.F HTATIK. ShOWIN« TaHLKT NuMBEK TwO 



KEY TO BRONZE RELIEF PANEL 

Showing the Charge Made by the Regiment 

Near Round Top, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, 

July 3, 1863 

THE figure at the extreme left, with sabre raised, 
is Major WilHam Wells, who, in command of 
the Second Battalion, First Vermont Cavalry, is 
leading the charge on Law's Brigade, Hood's Divi- 
sion, Longstreet's Corps, Army of Northern Virginia, 
at five o'clock on the afternoon of July 3, 1863. 

On Major Wells's right appears Brigadier-General 
Elon J. Farnsworth, commanding the Brigade, who 
is falling from his horse mortally wounded. 

Immediatel}^ behind Major Wells, and lying face 
downward upon his horse, is seen Captain Henry C. 
Parsons, commanding Troop L. Captain Parsons was 
a graduate of the University of Vermont. 

To the right of Captain Parsons, with raised sabre, 
rides F. Stewart Stranahan, First Sergeant Troop L. 
In after years he became Lieutenant-Governor of 
Vermont. 

Still farther to the right, and a little to the rear of 
Sergeant Stranahan, is Trumpeter Gilbert C. Buck- 
man of Troop L, who was General Farnsworth's orderly 
bugler and sounded the charge, while immediately to 
the rear may be seen Edgar J. Wolcott, Troop L, with 
both hands covering his face, where he has been 
desperately wounded. Behind Wolcott, and wearing a 

45 



IN AFFECTIONATE MEMORY OF 

slouch hat, is Lieutenant Alexander G. Watson of 
Troop L. At Wolcott's left, and directly behind Ser- 
geant Stranahan, leaning forward on his horse, rides 
First Lieutenant Hiram H. Hall, Troop E, who was 
serving on the Brigade Staff. Captain Hall was another 
graduate of the University of Vermont, and was killed 
at Nottaway Court House, Virginia, in 1864. Behind 
Lieutenant Hall is Sergeant William L. Greenleaf of 
Troop L, who wears a slouch hat. Later he became a 
General, and for many years commanded the National 
Guard of Vermont. The non-commissioned officer with 
full beard following Sergeant Greenleaf is Sergeant 
Willard Farrington, Troop L. 

In the center background, a little to the right, upon 
a rearing horse, between two guidons, appears 
Lieutenant-Colonel Addison W. Preston, the officer 
wearing a slouch hat, with sabre raised, he having 
joined the Second Battalion with reenforcements. 
Colonel Preston was killed at the battle of Cold 
Har})or in 1804. 

The figure lying dead upon the grass in the fore- 
ground is that of Sergeant George H. Duncan of 
Troop L, while behind him to the right is seen Al- 
phonzo Barrows of Troop B, raising himself from liis 
horse, which has been killed. At the left of Comrade 
Barrows appears Sergeant George L. INIcBride, Troop 
L, springing from his horse, which has been shot; 
rushing forward he seized Sergeant Duncan's horse and 
continued in the charge. To the right of Sergeant 
McBride is shown Captain Oliver T. Cushman of 
Troop E, who, having been severely wounded in the 
face, has fallen backward on his horse. The following 

46 



MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM WELLS 

year he was killed at the battle of Cold Harbor, Vir- 
ginia. Near Captain Cushman may be seen a riderless 
horse, the rider, Rufiis D. Thompson of Troop L, 
having been killed, while just beyond appears Gilbert 
O. Smith of Troop C, falling backward, wounded. 

Upon the extreme right of the panel, leaning against 
a boulder, is Lieutenant Perley C. J. Cheney, Troop C, 
who was shot through the body, the ball entering his 
back and coming out near his pantaloons watch 
pocket. The watch and ball are now in possession of 
the Vermont Historical Society at the State House, 
Montpelier. 

At the foot of the tree, near Lieutenant Cheney, 
reclines Corporal Ira E. Sperry of Troop L, who was 
mortally wounded early in the charge, and died on 
the S^nd. 

The first of the two horsemen at the extreme right 
of the background, with drawn revolvers, is Sergeant 
Seymour 11. W\)od, Troop L, wdio, with his companion, 
is taking Confederate prisoners to the rear. 

Almost the last charging soldier is Edwin E. Jones 
of Troop K, who was wounded, and may be seen fall- 
mg backward, with his arm raised and sabre falling. 

Many of the faces shown in this relief panel are from 
such actual pictures of Eirst Vermont Cavalrymen 
participating in the charge as it was possible to pro- 
cure, these pictures being taken about the year 1861, 
but by no means are all of the brave Vermont Cavalry- 
men who took part in this terrible action and were 
killed and wounded represented, the limited space 
making it impossible to include each one. 

47 




■ ,i^ifffin<»nwfinmm<mmMmfm\iimm.l 



IS siius x'^osstD aut4ivtii4 HE/aa'ius i-qikt cHiiKismc Qxm 

lit£KTS«FiA.U'*SCOl'^l-!£Ul'ttA.TE liRiGMiE KEMvTHlE SPOT WHERl- 
;C i 'At- ivtU t-iLDKU RE Kt SY/UiUS 
l^^' lj&.n'm0U /vKU RRT Qi- T\i\l iii^a:COU.U\'.l'REb"TCK COKU^^^LHKG 
RCEtiEU XViXlit iiUl'F0RTai-mE51iiW;0VEl3 KaRTHElUA' TC HiE SLMBl 

^''jw^EU aiw iwEUKE id<D saiaiavU\v5:.miiij/x.uE ik h-ie in_M<k \m okset- 

:'^lincsijjRESM'iU li^Qun^ ivHvm'a^ ^^ msi^ns SEit^- nyjEii' used 

„ .^nsJiizOHniE Kill WAS ciuuED s\' U'tE iJivvtnyvvoKTAKD \m mSQUBlS 

grURiaj SEUV TO VUE RE^R 

&itHya;U^-Ua'?KS UKITB^ 500K OM. \}\mk \V^ mil Q\'V.{t -Ol^LU^d-iX 

;LOTvV(a^i^i-R-ESB>tTi:^ onm s^ cEmvouiui-AKiivV mmm xio exitw me: 

i'Uill^B.' U'RHEU TC niEEA.S\\VKD aliU^tOai-KE li!'UiiUl5A!AAlKl7a<TO \\'Hiai 

iJieaivSUlii^aRSW^ b'URREHDERBYASESltvliCllVE kUSRETRY RRE WOSli 

' ESCilHKG RQSm TC THE SOUlln. 

^,, . . lSiAi0A!3l^i'iL aGl^AUJES Il-IE ViU_OR OFll{EomcERb" AKD l\m Oni-IE HRiTJ 

B^(3iiv tAi!mvV'\vuQ Ka^ m\) w WiE femoK we UTniRi'VSTnviLHnT of DmmoKi 



'I . MILL L >. LMBLl 



:xs:==!VXi?aesamgssgmssii 



SBBBSBSSSSSSSE 



WlLLLi.K/1 WELLS 



V 



ucju:- v" 



;,,.,->,,... (^^J^3,^ CEKEli.X- 



■ ■ COLONEL JULY 2 !{^ 
?^viVF,T PKIGADIER GEKERAL U.,S.Va 

BREVET, MXJOR' GENERAL. U. 5.:V0L>;; 
G\LL-\NT AND MER.lTORIOiiS SERVICES" M \R'bh- 
■ BRIGADIER GENERA:L ir. S. VOLS. M.\Y P !S'55' 
HONORABLY MUSTERED OUT., J\N. 15 TSoo '^ 
. ONCE V/OUNDEP ,\MD ONC£'-\ PRISONER 
\W,A,RDED ,HE'D\L OF. HONOUR F0R-"MOST-DIf;TI.MunrNV 
{-\LL-\NTRY .\T CETTYSBU' 
. COM-M\NDER OF SHERiD,\N'S, 



'.EtS« 






T.\BLKT Nu.MUKK Two 



MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM WELLS 




Saint Albans, Vermont, November 14<, 1913. 
H. Nelson Jackson, M.D., 

Burlington, Vermont. 
Dear Doctor : 

Fearing that the detail in the bronze rehef panel, 
showing two cavalrymen going to the rear with im- 
armed prisoners, may seem inconsistent with the 
charge as depicted, may I relate the following? 

, When the charging 

I coliinm reached a point 

I I some one hundred and 

! j twenty-five feet from 

the spot where General 
Farnsworth fell, the 
writer, who is supposed 
to be one of the two 
cavalrymen mentioned 
above, saw four or five 
Confederates a m o n g 
the rocks near our left 
flank, and, riding to- 
ward them, demanded 
their surrender. At 
the same instant a 
conn-ade came to my 
assistance, as the Confederates objected to going to 
the rear and were dodging behind boulders and rocks 
where it was impossible for us to ride. During this 
manoeuvring I lost sight of my comrade and of all but 
two of the rebels, one of whom soon succeeded in es- 
caping, but the other I brought into our lines. 

49 



8i;rgeant S. H. Wood 



MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM WELLS 

On the 3rd of July, 1913, fifty years later, as Mr. 
Van Amringe, the contractor, was engaged in draping 
the statue of General Wells for the unveiling cere- 
monies, a one-armed man inquired if that was the 
statue of General Farnsworth. Mr. Van Amringe in- 
formed him that it was the statue of Major-General 
William Wells, who led the charge of the Vermont 
Cavalry. In southern accents the old soldier replied: 
"I am one of the Johnnie Rebs that stopped those boys 
on July 3, 1863," and, looking about him, said: "There 
must be a run somewhere around here. I remember it 
well, because we were greatly in need of drinking water, 
and two men from each company in my regiment were 
detailed to take a large number of canteens and get 
them filled at this run. They never came back, and we 
heard they had been captured by this Cavalry com- 
mand that afterward made the charge on us." Mr. 
Van Amringe, pointing to the two cavalrymen at the 
extreme right of the panel, said: "There is the ex- 
planation why the six men did not come back." 
With much emotion the Confederate replied: "My 
God, it is worth coming all the way from Alabama to 
find out what became of Jimmie, my bunkie, for I 
never knew whether he and his companions were 
killed, captured, or what became of them." 

This explains the mystery of why that group of 
Confederates should be separated from their command 
witliout arms, when every man should have been on 
the firing line. 

Yours sincerely, 

Seymour H. Wood, 
Late Sergeant Company L, First Vermont Cavalry. 

50 




CuLUNEL AIVKON JM. PaKKER 

President First Vermont Cavalry Association 



THE DEDICATORY EXERCISES 

THE exercises opened with "assembly," the call 
being sonnded by the Fifth Infantry Bngle 
Corps, which, with the regimental band, fur- 
nished music for the occasion. 

Prayer was offered by the Rev. Albert W. Clark, 
of Bohemia, sergeant Twelfth Vermont Regiment in 
18G3, as follows: 

Our Heavenly Father, let thy special blessing rest 
upon us who have met to-day at this historic spot so 
nobly and valiantly consecrated by our brother soldiers 
fifty years ago. We recall with thanksgiving to God 
their bravery and self-denial at a time when Gettys- 
burg demanded supreme sacrifice. We behold with 
wonder this wooded hillside where our Vermont cavalry 
made such a brilliant charge. We are here to-day, O 
Thou Great Captain of our Salvation, to honor the 
memory of our fellow comrades, and to take by the 
hand the survivors of that magnificent devotion to our 
flag. Bless these veterans here before Thee, and re- 
ward them with inward peace and intense loyalty to 
all the interests of humanity and to the welfare of the 
kingdom of our Lord. On this spot, where our com- 
rades gave blood and life for our country, we pledge 
our devotion to the still unsolved problems of our 
nation. Accept our consecration of heart and soul 
to every noble cause. Behold, O God, to-day our 
offering of granite, marble, and bronze. We cannot 

52 



MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAINI WELLS 

consecrate to Thee this hiUsule, this witness of un- 
paralleled valor, but we do dedicate to Thee this 
monument in memory of the Green Mountain Boys 
and of their unflinching leader from the very heart of 
the State we love. We thank Thee, Saviour Divine, 
for the presence this day of our Confederate brothers 
who now love the one flag of America. Bless richly 
the Southland and draw all our hearts into closer har- 
mony. O Thou that changest not, behold the change 
that has come over so many of us, so that many who 
wore the blue fifty years ago, are noiv wearing the 
gray, as our silvery hair bears witness. Once more, 
where our comrades fell, we dedicate anew to Thee 
our few remaining years. Lead us by Thy wisdom, 
and help us to live "soberly, righteously, and godly" 
in the present world until we enter the land that knows 
no strife, until w^e hear Thy gracious words: "Well 
done, good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of 
Thy Lord." To Father, Son, and Holy Spirit be 
everlasting praise. Amen. 




Hkvkhend Albert W. Clakk 
Private Twelfth Vermont Regiment, Missionary of A. B. C. F. M. in Prague, Bohemia 




Fredeiuck H. Wells 
Youngest Brother of General Wells 



"The Star Spangled Banner'' was then played by 
the Fifth Infantry Band, during which the statue was 
unveiled by Mrs. Bertha Wells Jackson and Frank 
Richardson Wells, daughter and son of General Wells; 
beside them stood Frederick Howard Wells, the 
youngest brother of the General, and Dr. H. Nelson 
Jackson. 

Golonel Myron M. Parker, the chairman, George L. 
McBride, and the Secretary, General T. S. Peck, of the 
conmiission appointed by the Governor of Vermont to 
erect the memorial, then escorted the members of the 
W^ells family to the speakers' stand. 




Frank R. Wells 
Son of General Wells 




liii, II. Ni;i,soN ,Ia( KsoN 




Bertha Wells Jackson 
Daughter of CJeneral Wells 



ADDRESS OF COLONEL MYRON M. PARKER 
OF WASHLNGTOxN, D. C. 

President of the First Vermont Cavalry 
Association 

" A HALF century ago on this historic and sacred 
/\ spot it was decreed that the Union should be 
1 m. preserved. That result was reached only after 
three dnys of battle and carnage. It was a crucial test 
which called forth the supreme effort of every man 
who was fighting for the Union. History has failed to 
record acts of greater heroism and bi'avery. At the 
dawn of each day's battle every soldier looked into his 
open grave, but none faltered or turned back. Amid 
volleys of musketry, the roar of cannon, the crashing 
and shrieking of shells, the groans of the mangled and 
moans of the dying, they swept on to victory, death, 
and immortality. P^ach side participating in that 
sanguinary conflict displayed equal valor. Though 
both sides are now united in loyalty to a common 
country, each fought for a principle they believed to 
be right. Conspicuous among those who took part in 
this great battle on the Union side were the fearless 
soldiers of Vermont. It was the Vermont Brigade 
under the connnand of the gallant General Stannard, 
that met Pickett's charge, a charge that for desperation 
and daring has challenged the admiration of the world, 
and by a determined front and deadly flank fire 
arrested its advance. Those heroic services, appre- 

60 



MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM WELLS 

ciated and applauded by the State and Nation, have 
ah-eady been recognized by the erection of a suitable 
monument on this field. 

"To-day the survivors of the First Vermont Cavalry 
have assembled here to dedicate a monument to the 
officers and men of that historic regiment and to their 
distinguished commander, INIajor-General William 
Wells. Standing here are some of those who, just fifty 
years ago, participated in the terrific charge of the 
First Vermont Cavalry near Round Top, where we 
are now standing, in which so many of our comrades 
went to a glorious death. 

'Tt will be recalled that at about five o'clock in the 
afternoon General Kilpatrick, commanding the cavalry 
division, ordered General Farnsworth's Brigade to 
charge Hood's Division of Infantry, then in possession 
of Round Top. A battalion of the First Vermont 
Cavalry, consisting of four companies, led by Major 
William Wells, supported by another battalion of the 
regiment, immediately went forward. They rushed 
through Plum Run, up over the rocks and through 
woods, charging into Law's fighting Confederate Brig- 
ade, consisting of five regiments of infantry. The 
conflict was terrific and hand-to-hand; bayonets, sabres, 
muskets, and pistols clashing together. Wells's bat- 
talion not only suftered from the close range of mus- 
ketry fire of Law's Brigade, but also from two Con- 
federate batteries of twelve guns, located on a hill 
near by, also from a longer range of musketry and 
artillery fire from the right of the Confederate line of 
battle near the Emmettsburg Pike. The battalion did 
not consist of over two hundred and twenty-five men, 

(11 



IN AFFECTIONATE MEMORY OF 

and when the charge was over it was found that 
seventy-five, or thirty per cent of the whole number, 
had fallen. 

"Lieutenant-Colonel Preston, commanding the regi- 
ment, in his report, July 11, 18G3, says: 'The charge 
of Wells's battalion upon a brigade of infantry has 
seldom been excelled in desperation and valor.' This 
charge is reported in the war histories as one of the 
most desperate ever known. 

"Colonel William F. Fox, a historian of the United 
States Volunteers, says: 'The greatest loss of life in 
any one brigade during the Civil War occurred in the 
Vermont Brigade,' and 'Of Cavalry Regiments in the 
Union Armies, the First Verinont was one of the five 
which suffered the greatest loss through those killed 
and. mortally wounded.' It is admitted by all that it 
was second to none in the capture of guns, prisoners, 
and battle flags. 

"What a splendid regiment was this First Vermont 
Cavalry! What brave men and fearless officers! It 
saw foiu- years of service and participated in seventy- 
six battles.. It was the common remark of both Gen- 
erals Sheridan and Custer that the presence of the 
First Vermont Cavalry always inspired confidence and 
assured victory. In the action of Hawe's Shop, looking 
down into the sightless eyes of the gallant Colonel 
Preston, General Custer said, 'There lies one of the 
best Cavalry Colonels in the Army.' It was a privilege 
to serve in such a regiment and under such command- 
ers as Sawyer, Preston, Hall, Wells, and Bennett. 
Those who fell on the field of battle have always been 
envied by those who survived. The proudest heritage 

62 



MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAIVI WELLS 

we can leave our children is the official record that 
we were permitted to serve our country in that fighting 
regiment, the First Vermont Cavalry. The story of 
loyalty, courage, and sacrifice of this memorable regi- 
ment will be told by those who follow me, and I now 
have the honor and pleasure of introducing His Ex- 
cellency, Allen M. Fletcher, Governor of Vermont, 
who will speak for the State." 

Governor Fletcher, addressing Major Lasseigne, said : 
*'Sir, to you as representative of the United States 
Government, on the part of a State more noted for 
deeds than words, on the part of a State ever ready to 
shed its blood for the country, on the part of a State 
which never lost a color, in behalf of the State of Ver- 
mont, as a memorial to the First Vermont Cavalry 
and General Wells, I transfer to you this monument." 

By direction of the Secretary of War Major Armand 
I. Lasseigne, Fifth United States Infantry, received 
the monument in behalf of the United States Gov- 
ernment. 

Introducing General Peck, Colonel Parker said: 
"I am going to introduce a man, a man who, when a 
boy, enlisted as a private in Company F, First Ver- 
mont Cavalry, from which he was promoted to a 
Lieutenancy in the Ninth Vermont Infantry. A soldier 
who served with such gallantry that he was awarded 
a gold medal of honor by the Government of the 
United States. I am going to introduce a man who 
for twenty years, as Adjutant-General of Vermont, and 




His Excellency Allen M. Fletcher 
Governor of Vermont 



MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM WELLS 

as a citizen, has been working for the betterment of 
the old soldiers; a man who did most of all in obtaining 
an appropriation for this wonderfully striking, forceful 
monument we have just unveiled, and in securing its 
erection. I call upon General Peck." 

He spoke as follows: 

"Mr. President, Ladies, and Gentlemen: I have the 
honor of describing to you the First Vermont Cavalry 
monument. 

"During the Legislature of 1912 the State of Ver- 
mont appropriated $({,000 for a monument to com- 
memorate the services and perpetuate the memory 
of Major-General William Wells and the officers and 
enlisted men of the First Regiment Vermont Cav- 
alry. 

"This monument now stands near where the Regi- 
ment began its desperate charge at five o'clock on the 
afternoon of July 3, 18G3, under the leadership of 
Major Wells, who was in command of the Battalion, 
with Brigadier-General Elon J. Farnsworth, command- 
ing the Brigade, riding by his side. 

"The first boulder, which forms the base, is in its 
original position, while the second was taken from a 
spot near by. 

"The two boulders, from the foundation to the top, 
measure some eight feet, and the bronze statue of 
General Wells is of the same height, making the total 
height of the monument sixteen feet. 

"The uniform, hat, boots, belt, and revolver worn by 
General Wells during the war were used by the artist, 
Mr. J. Otto Schweizer, in modeling the statue, th( 

65 




General Theodore S. Peck 



MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM WELLS 

portrait being from a photograph taken at the time of 
the war. 

"The bas-rehef, costing some $2,000, is the gift of 
the honorary and active members of the Regiment. 
War pictures of various members of the First Vermont 
Cavahy were furnished the artist for use in this panel, 
and the horses are of the Morgan type, one thousand 
of which went with the Regiment to the front in 
1861. 

"While it is impossible to mention all of the officers 
and men who participated in this charge, among the 
foremost in the bas-relief may be seen Major Wells 
leading the charge, and at his right General Farns- 
worth, falling from his horse mortally wounded. In 
the center background is shown Lieutenant-Colonel 
A. W. Preston, with sword raised and horse rearing, 
his battalion having joined that of Major Wells after 
passing the Slyder house. 

"The Commissioners having charge of this work 
have endeavored to furnish the contractors and the 
artist with all the material possible to make this a 
fitting memorial whereby the world may know the 
story which is so familiar to the veterans of our Green 
Mountain State. 

"They wish to place on record their sincere gratitude 
to Honorable Henry Breckinridge, Acting Secretary of 
War; Honorable John C. Scofield, Assistant and Chief 
Clerk of the War Department; to the Gettysburg Na- 
tional Park Commission, of which Colonel John P. 
Nicholson is chairman, and to Colonel E. B. Cope, 
U. S. A., Engineer-in-Chief, for the valuable assistance 
rendered in the erection of this monument near the 

67 




Major James H. McRea Major Charles D. Rhodes 

CoinumiidinK Hallalion Kiftli U. S. Infantry Commanding Battalion Fifteenth U. S. Cavalry 

Major Jambs E. Normoyle, U. S. Army 

Chief Quarter Master, in charge of Veterans' Camp at C.ettysburg, July 1-4, 1913 

First Likutknant Thomas L. Crystal First Lieutenant George M. Rdssel 

Adjiuaiil Hallalion, Viftli C. S. Infantry, liaving Coniinanding I'latoon, Fifteenth U. S. Cavalry 

cliarKeof I'illli intanlry liand 



MAJOR-GEXEKAL WILLIAM WELLS 

spot where the Regiment began its desperate charge 
on the afternoon of July 3, 1863. 

"To Colonel John C. Gresham and Captani W. H. F. 
Godsen, of the Tenth U. S. Cavalry, and to Major 
James E. Normoyle, of the LTnited States Army, Chief 
Quartermaster of the National Camp, and to his 
assistants, are due our hearty thanks for efficient service 
given; also to General Hunter Liggett, commanding the 
United States Army Camp; to jNIajor James H. McRea, 
commanding the Fifth Infantry, and to Major Charles 
D. Rhodes, commanding the Fifteenth Cavalry. 

"The Commissioners are deeply grateful to Mr. W. 
B. Van Amringe, president of the Van Amringe Granite 
Company, the contractors, and to Mr. J. Otto 
Schweizer, the artist, for their splendid service, which 
has made this memorial so successful. 

"By this monument Vermont honors the valor of 
her sons who here paid to the nation the uttermost 
tribute of devotion. She records her pride in their un- 
flinching courage, their soldierly obedience, their un- 
hesitating attempt of the impossible. She testifies her 
admiration of the manhood of the brigade commander 
who twice told his superior officer that the charge 
ought not to be made, yet for himself shunned not 
the danger. No more gallant or more desperate 
charge was made during the war, nor one more fruitless. 

"This was but a single holocaust — one of many 
offered on the altar of American Freedom. 

"During its four years of service the Regiment had 
seven Colonels, three of whom resigned and one was 
killed — Colonel x\ddison W. Preston, who fell at Cold 
Harbor. Had he lived a few days longer he would 

69 



IN AFFECTIONATE MEMORY OF 

have been promoted to the rank of brigadier-general, 
for he stood verj^ high with his superior officers, and 
they were only waiting for his appointment as Colonel 
to give him higher rank and more responsible duties. 
General Custer, who commanded the Brigade, voiced 
the opinion of many when he said, as he turned from 
Colonel Preston's body, 'There lies the best fighting 
Colonel in 'the Cavalry Corps of the Army of the 
Potomac' Of the remaining three, one committed 
suicide; another, William Wells, was promoted 
Brigadier-General and Major-General; and one, Colonel 
Josiah Hall, returned home in command of the 
Battalion. 

"The Regiment had five Lieutenant-Colonels; one 
resigned; two, Preston and Wells, were promoted 
Colonels; one, Lieutenant-Colonel John W. Bennett, 
was mustered out after three years' service; and the 
other, Lieutenant-Colonel Cummings, returned home 
with the Regiment. 

"There were twelve majors; two resigned, five were 
promoted, one was mustered out after three years' 
service, and four came home at the close of the war. 

"The Regiment served most of the time in the 
Second Brigade and Third Division of Sheridan's 
Cavalry Corps, Army of the Potomac, under Generals 
Wilson, Custer, Chapman, Wells, and others. 

"In Colonel Fox's list of Three Hundred Fighting 
Regiments of the Union Army, which lost over one 
hundred and thirty men in killed and died of wounds 
during the war, the First Vermont Cavalry stands the 
fifth, the First Maine and the First, Fifth, and Sixth 
Michigan Regiments preceding it. There were two 

70 



MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM WELLS 

hundred and seventy-two Regiments, forty-five Bat- 
talions, and seventy-eight Companies of Cavalry in 
the Armies of the Union from 1861 to 180G. 

"So far as we know, the following officers of the 
Regiment are living to-day: 

"Two Colonels, Charles H. Tompkins, now a 
Brigadier-General (retired) of the United States Army, 
w^ho resides in Washington, D. C, and Edward B. 
Sawyer, of Hyde Park, Vermont. 

"One Lieutenant-Colonel, John W. Bennett, a resi- 
dent of Chicago, Illinois. 

"Two Majors, Robert Schofield, who resides in Kil- 
bourn City, Wisconsin, and Andrew J. Grover, a resi- 
dent of Los Angeles, California. 

"Of the Staff there are three living — Adjutant Clar- 
ence D. Gates, of Burlington, Vermont; Assistant 
Surgeon P. O'Meara Edson, of Boston, Massachusetts; 
and Chaplain John E. Goodrich, of Burlington, 
Vermont. 

"Of all the officers of the different companies there 
are living: Four in Company A, four in Comj^any B, 
three in Company C, one in Company D, one in Com- 
pany E, one in Company F, one in Company G, two 
in Company H, two in Company I, one in Company 
K, and none in Companies L and M. 

"The last Vermont soldier killed in battle was 
Private George B. Dunn, of Company M, First Ver- 
mont Cavalry, who was killed on the evening of April 
8, 18()5; and the last Vermont soldier wounded was 
Lieutenant Willard Farrington, of Company L, same 
regiment, who was wounded early the same evening. 

"As the Second Vermont Brigade, under the heroic 

71 



MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM WELLS 

Stannard, did valiant service on the flank of Pickett's 
charging cohinin at three o'clock on the afternoon of 
Jul}^ 3, 1863, and as the First Vermont Brigade, which 
had marched thirty-six miles in one day to reach the 
battlefield and was being held in reserve, stood ready 
to respond to a call to any part of the field where they 
might be most needed, and also as the courageous 
sharpshooters covered themselves with glory in the 
action of July 2-3, so the brave men of the First Ver- 
mont Cavalry, under the noble Preston and the gallant 
Wells, did magnificent work at five o'clock of the same 
afternoon in charging Round Top, when they knew 
the impossible lay before them, yet faltered not in 
soldierlv dutv." 



FIRST TABLET 

A T 5 p. M., July 3, 18(j3, the Second Battalion, First 

/% Vermont Cavalry, led by Major William Wells, 
1, Ml General Farnsworth, commanding the brigade, 
riding by his side, crossed Plum Run near this point, 
charging over stone walls, amid rocks and through 
woods, till they encountered five regiments of Law's 
Confederate Brigade, near the spot where tiie regi- 
mental monument stands. 

The first battalion and part of the third, Lieutenant- 
Colonel A. W. Preston commanding, were ordered to 
the support of the second, moved northerly to the 
Slyder house, turned into the lane, and struck Law's 
Brigade in flank. The onset was terrific, sabres and 
bayonets, revolvers and muskets being freely used. 
After a struggle the hill was carried by the First Ver- 
mont and the prisoners captured sent to the rear. 

The three battalions united soon came under the 
fire of the Fourth Alabama Infantry and presently of 
the Ninth Georgia Infantry. Finding no exit to the 
south, they turned to the east and charged the Fif- 
teenth Alabama Infantry, which answered a summons 
to surrender by a destructive musketry fire, those 
unhurt escaping mostly to the south. 

This memorial signalizes the valor of the officers and 
men of the First Vermont Cavalry who here paid to 
the nation the uttermost tribute of devotion. 



SECOND TABLET 

William Wells 
Brevet Major-General U. S. Vols. 
1837-1892. 
First Lieut. Co. C 1st Vermont Cavalry Oct. 14, 1861. 
Captain Co. C. Nov. 18, 1861. 
Major Dec. 30, 1862. 
Colonel July 2, 1864. 
Brevet Brigadier-General U. S. Vols. Feb. 22, 1865. 
Brevet Major-General U. S. Vols, "for gallant and 
meritorious services" March 13, 1865. 
Brigadier-General U. S. Vols. May 19, 1865. 
Honorably mustered out Jan. 15, 1866. 

Once woimded and once a prisoner. 
Awarded Medal of Honor for "most distinguished 
gallantry at Gettysburg" July 3, 1863. 
Commander of Sheridan's Cavalry Corps. 



IVIAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM WELLS 

Introducing Senator Dillingham, Colonel Parker 
said: 

"Vermont has been most fortunate in the selection 
of those who were to direct the affairs of the State and 
to represent the State in the Congress of the United 
States. The names of Collamer, Foote, Edmunds, and 
Morrill adorn the pages of national legislation. The 
same may be said of the distinguished representatives 
who have served in the lower House. No less fortunate 
are we to-day in our representation. I am going to in- 
troduce as the next speaker a man who enjoys the 
confidence of every man who occupies a seat in the 
Senate; a man, the impress of whose mind may be 
found in much of the important legislation of the 
country; a man who never forgets his State and the 
protection of her interests. I am going to introduce a 
man who has the courage of his convictions; a man 
who searches out the right and, having found it, hews 
to the line, letting the chips fly where they may; a 
man whose votes in the United States Senate are cast 
according to his convictions, uninfluenced by any 
passing sensational clamor; a man who has the courage 
to do right even though the doing might cost him his 
seat in the Senate. Such a man is W illiam P. Dilling- 
ham, whom I now have the honor to introduce." 

"Mr. President: 

"Speaking for the surviving members of the W^ells 
family, most of whom are present on this occasion, as 
well as for the circle of their kinsmen of whom I am 
proud to be one, I beg leave to express to you, and 
through you to the people of Vermont, the profound 

75 




IIoNORABLp; William I'. Dillingham 
United States Senator fi-om Vermont 



MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM WELLS 

sense of pride and satisfaction which we feel in the 
action of their General Assembly in causing to be 
erected upon this historic spot a monument com- 
memorating the services and perpetuating the memory 
of General William Wells and the officers and men of 
the First Regiment Vermont Cavalry, whose loyal de- 
votion and gallant support gave him confidence in 
every emergency and which he always insisted was the 
chief element in the success which he achieved. To 
speak of him is to speak of all those who constituted 
this intrepid band of young men who rode loyally 
with him through all the campaigns of the Army of 
the Potomac, and toward every surviving member 
of which our hearts go out to-day in affectionate 
regard. 

"But, Sir, it is not possible for me to limit myself 
to a mere expression of the grateful sentiments which 
fill to overflowing the hearts of the Wells family to-day. 
I must speak for that larger family, the citizen body of 
the town of Waterbury, of which the Wells family 
have been prominent members for more than a century 
of its history. 

"The character of the military service rendered by 
General Wells was such as to challenge the attention 
of thoughtful men, and suggests an inquiry as to the 
sources of that inspiration which found expression in 
his heroic deeds. 

"It must be remembered that when he so proudly 
rode at the head of the Second Brigade of the Third 
Division of the Cavalry Corps in the Grand Review 
of the 22nd of May, 1865, as well as at the time when 
he became the Commander of that gallant corps, he 

77 



IN AFFECTIONATE MEMORY OF 

was less than twenty-eight years of age. That during 
a period of less than five years, and at a time in life 
when young men are commonly found in the colleges 
and universities, he had passed from the rank of 
private in the First Vermont Cavalry to that of 
Brigadier-General and Brevet Major-General of Vol- 
unteers in the Army of the United States. That as 
Company and Field Officer of his regiment he had led 
his troopers in not less than half a hundred engage- 
ments, and as Brigade and Division Commander in 
not less than eighteen others, some of which were the 
greatest and most important battles of the war. And 
so, at an age when most men are but entering the 
activities of life, he had made a record the brilliance of 
which fifty years of time have failed to lessen, and 
which is now recognized by those not then born. To 
them this story of achievement comes as a tale which 
never loses interest, and one which will stand through 
all ages to the credit of that splendid civilization which 
gave him birth, which shaped his thought and de- 
veloped his character, and which has made Vermont 
a republic in which liberty, under law, finds its highest 
expression, and one in which the door of opportunity 
stands open to all those who are worthy to enter, 

"The town of Waterbury was settled by men who 
represented both in blood and sentiment that splendid 
element of liberty-loving Englishmen, who, after the 
great intellectual awakening of the Sixteenth Cen- 
tury, asserted the supremacy of personal liberty over 
absolutism, and in the struggle which followed moved 
with a majestic purpose and heroic courage through a 
century of conflict, which resulted in the destruction 

78 



MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM WELLS 

of arbitrary power, the establishment of a constitu- 
tional and parliamentary government, under which 
the liberties of the English people have been main- 
tained down to the present time. Many were also the 
product of a century and a half of colonial life, and in 
every fiber of their being represented the fundamental 
principles upon which human rights are founded and 
upon which only can governments find a sure founda- 
tion. Some of them had served in the Revolutionary 
War, had afterward lived under the Confederation 
and had seen their dearly-bought liberties brought into 
peril; but they had also lived to see the Government 
of the United States firmly established under a Con- 
stitution of provisions which have excited the admira- 
tion of the world's greatest statesmen. Of this colonial 
stock w^ere Ezra Butler, Roswell Wells, Paul Dilling- 
ham, Sr., Dan Carpenter, Sylvester Henry, Henry F. 
Janes, and others too numerous to mention. General 
Wells and his three brothers, who also found service 
in the War, were grandchildren of both Roswell Wells 
and Dan Carpenter, and were the sons of William W. 
Wells, a graduate of the University of Vermont; a 
man of marked characteristics, strong, aggressive, 
generous, just, and honest, and, above all else, a man 
of such patriotism that in the years preceding the 
War every power of his being was dedicated to the 
cause of human rights, and such that during the W ar 
he sacrificed every selfish interest to serve as Chairman 
of the Board of Selectmen of Waterbury, devoting his 
great energies to securing enlistments to the Army 
and in other ways promoting the common cause. 
Such was the stock from which General Wells sprang. 

79 



IN AFFECTIONATE MEMORY OF 

"And speaking of the larger family of which General 
Wells was a member, may I be permitted to carry a 
little further the suggestion of the influence which the 
colonial type of patriotism had upon even the second 
and third generations and say that every man going 
out as an officer of volunteers from the town of Water- 
bury to battle for the Union was a descendant of that 
pioneer element of which I have spoken and that all 
were friends and some of them kinsmen of General 
Wells. Did birth and education and environment find 
expression in their character and in the great con- 
trolling convictions of their lives? Let the facts 
answer! Let it be remembered that forty-three per 
cent of such officers were killed in battle, their faces 
to the foe, and glad in their hearts that they had lives 
which they could give for the principles in which 
they had been educated. Major Dillingham, Captain 
Thompson, and Lieutenant Henrj^ need no eulogy at 
my hands on this occasion. And may I further call 
your attention to the fact that of the three Vermont 
officers who reached the rank of Brevet Major-General 
of Volunteers in the War for the Union, W aterbury has 
credit for that one whose name is upon the lips of 
every person present in the audience, and who, fifty 
years ago to-day, almost at this hour and upon this 
field, nobly supported by his devoted men, rendered a 
service of such distinguished gallantry that he received 
the recognition of the Congress of the United States 
and the gratitude of his native State through whose 
action his memory is so signally honored here to-day. 
Ft is also of interest to note that of six Vermont officers 
who rose to the rank of Brevet Brigadier-General of 

80 



MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM WELLS 

A^oliinteers, Waterbury was credited with one in the 
person of Wilhani \V. Henry, a grandson of Sylvester 
Henry; and that one of the founders of the town, 
Ezra Butler, who was clerk of its original proprietors, 
and who later became Judge of the County Court, 
Governor of the State, and member of Congress, was 
represented by Surgeon Henry Janes, a grandson, who 
during his service had wounded men under his care or 
direction twice greater in number than the standing 
army of the LTnited States prior to our recent war with 
Spain. L^nable to be with us to-day because of im- 
paired health, he sits in his home at Waterbury a man 
of kingly intellect, of strong but modest nature, think- 
ing, I doubt not, of more than twenty-five thousand 
wounded men who fell into his hands after three days 
of fighting on this historic field, when he was placed in 
charge of all the hospitals in and about Gettysburg by 
Medical Director Letterman. 

"And speaking further of this larger family to which 
General W'clls belonged, I am reminded of the often- 
quoted statement that in the Franco-Prussian W^ar 
the losses in killed and mortally wounded in the vic- 
torious German Army were only three and one-tenth 
per cent of the whole, while those in the Union Army 
of the War of 1861 amounted to four and seven-tenths 
per cent; and that the percentage of such losses among 
the Vermont troops was greater than that of any other 
State, excepting Pennsylvania, and amounted to six 
and eight-tenths per cent. And may I add the simple 
statement that Waterbury 's loss was more than eight 
per cent, and that in a single year, in the campaigns 
of 1864 alone, that town lost in killed or mortally 

81 



MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM WELLS 

wounded six and six-tenths per cent of all the men 
who were credited to her quota during the entire period 
of the War. On fourteen different occasions during 
that never-to-be-forgotten year the bells tolled the 
announcement that another one of Waterbury's sons 
had given his life for his country. I could speak of the 
horrors of that dark period, when fathers and mothers 
mourned the loss of manly sons; when wives mourned 
for their husbands and wept over their fatherless 
children, but this is neither the time nor the place to 
do so. 

"In view of all these considerations, Mr. President, 
I have felt justified in speaking not only for the imme- 
diate members of the Wells family, but also for this 
community, in all whose interests its members had a 
conspicuous part for a century of time. And so, as a 
member of this community, I can do no less than 
express its keen sense of appreciation of the great 
honor which Vermont has done the town of Water- 
bury, as well as General Wells and his associates of the 
Vermont Cavalry, in placing upon this field this im- 
posing statue of its most distinguished soldier." 

The air "Dixie," a graceful compliment to the men 
in gray, preceded the presentation of General Law. 

Introducing General Law: 

"I fully appreciate the anxiety of those who are 
familiar with the program arranged by General Peck 
to hear the next speaker. They want to look into the 
face of the man who met and resisted the charge of 
W'clls and his daring troopers. They and you want 
to look into the face of the only surviving Major- 

82 



\ 



i^i'% 




\ 

■J 

.7 




Major-General E. M. Law 
Commanding Brigade and Hood's Division, Longstreet's Corps 
Army of Northern Virginia 



IN AFFECTIONATE MEMORY OF 

General of the Confederate Army. You are anxious 
to hear from his hps the impression made on him when 
he witnessed the onrush of this heroic band. 

"General Law, standing here you will look into the 
faces of the daughter and son of the man who led this 
heroic charge; you will look into the face of the brother 
of General Wells; you will look into the faces of many 
of those grizzled veterans who went forward in that 
charge. Looking into the faces of these children and 
that brother; looking into the faces of these brave 
men, your thoughts will go back fifty years to the 
time when, on this very spot, you stood in front of 
your brigade making dispositions to resist this charge. 

"General Law, l)eing then, as now, a perfect type of 
Southern chivalry, your eyes must have been moistened 
with tears and your heart must have been filled with 
pity for the certain fate that awaited these brave men, 
a fate you would gladly have averted could it have 
been done with honor. 

"Comrade Law, every survivor of the First Vermont 
Cavalry rejoices that your life has been spared and 
that you are here to-day to participate in the unveiling 
of this monument. We welcome you to this ceremony. 
We take you in our arms and to our hearts. I now 
have the pleasure of introducing Major-General Law." 

"Mr. Chairman and Comrades of the First Vermont 
Cavalry Association : 

"Fifty years ago to-day, and at this very hour, we 
met on this ground in mortal strife in the greatest 
battle of modern times; to-day we meet as comrades, 
each ready and willing to acknowledge the devotion to 

84 



MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM WELLS 

duty, the heroism, and the patriotism of the other. If 
there is any rivahy between us, Federals and Con- 
federates, it is in devotion to a reunited country and in 
thankfuhiess that we are all citizens of the greatest 
and freest country in the world. Men who have given 
and taken hard knocks always respect each other, and 
when the kindly hand of time has smoothed away all 
passion and bitterness, the true spirit of comradeship 
follows as surely 'as the night follows day,' and thus it 
is that the old soldiers of the blue and the gray meet 
here to-day where they fought each other fifty years 
ago, not as enemies, but as friends— not as strangers, 
but as comrades. 

"The battle of Gettysburg was the culminating 
point of the Civil War which marked an epoch in 
American history, yet I feel justified in the assertion 
that the meeting of the two hostile armies on this 
held fifty years ago was scarcely more important m its 
results than the meeting now being held by those same 
armies on this same field will be in its influence on the 
American people. The one saved the Union, the other 
will bind it together in bonds far stronger than armed 
force or military power — the l)onds of nuitual esteem, 
friendship, and brotherhood. Scenes such as are being 
enacted on this field to-day have no parallel in history, 
and could not have occurred anywhere else than in 

America. 

"At your kind invitation, my friends, I am here 
to-day to assist in the dedication of a beautiful memo- 
rial to your comrades of the First Vermont Cavalry 
who took the most prominent part in one of the most 
striking incidents of the battle. On this very ground, 

85 



IN AFFECTIONATE MEMORY OF 

fifty years ago, that gallant regiment was hurled 
against the line of my right flank, which extended from 
the main line on the slopes of the Round Top to the 
Emmettsburg Road. This flanking line was composed 
almost entirely of infantry drawn from my main line, and 
formed a considerable angle to it. The appearance of 
General Kilpatrick's division of two brigades of Federal 
cavalry, Merritt's and Farnsworth's, on that flank 
during the forenoon of the third day of the battle, 
caused me great uneasiness. Though two of my bat- 
teries had been withdrawn to take part in the grand 
artillery attack that preceded General Pickett's fatal 
charge on Cemetery Ridge, I still had at my disposal 
twelve pieces of splendid artillery, and these I arranged 
in such a way as to command thoroughly every part 
of the line threatened by the Federal cavalry. 

"General Kilpatrick at once commenced operations 
by attacking my flanking line with dismounted skir- 
mishers of Merritt's Brigade, continuing this movement 
steadily to my right until the line was stretched out to 
a considerable distance beyond where it crossed the 
Ihnmettsburg Road. This stretching process con- 
tinued until I became fearful that my line beyond that 
road would soon become so weak that it might be 
easily broken by a bold cavalry attack. To avoid this 
I withdrew two regiments from the main line on the 
slopes of the Round Tops, and leading them rapidly 
to my extreme right across the Emmettsburg Road, 
attacked Merritt's reserve, and then, wheeling on the 
flank of his line, 'doubled it back' to that road just 
beyond Kern's house. Here I left the two regiments 
engaged in this movement, together with the Ninth 

86 



MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM WELLS 

Georgia Regiment that had been previously posted 
there, under the command of Captain George Hillyer, 
who had done conspicuous service during the battle 
and who is with us here to-day to take part in doing 
honor to the men who fought against him so gallantly 
fifty years ago. 

"Being relieved for the present at least from the 
pressure of Merritt's Brigade on my right, and having 
reduced the length of the line to more manageable 
dimensions, I turned my attention to that part of the 
line threatened by Farnsworth's Brigade, which faced 
the left front of my flanking line extending from the 
lower slope of Round Top toward the Emmettsburg 
Road. I had not long to wait. The rush of the Federal 
horsemen, and the crash of the musketry from the 
Confederate infantry, came with startling suddenness, 
and as I watched the fight with intense interest and 
no small degree of anxiety, I saw that portion of the 
Federal line that had attacked directly in front of the 
First Texas Regiment, and had ridden up to the very 
muzzles of their guns, recoil and finally fall back into 
the cover of the woods through which they had ad- 
vanced. Further to my left, however, and nearer the 
foot of Round Top, at a point which I recognize as 
the very ground on which we stand to-day, a body of 
the Federal horsemen broke through the line and rode 
boldly down the Plum Run Valley directly in rear of 
my main line on the slopes of the Round Tops. At 
that time I did not know, of course, to what command 
they belonged, but when the fatal charge had ended 
I learned that these brave men who had ridden so 
gallantly into the jaws of death were a battalion of the 

87 



IN AFFECTIONATE MEMORY OF 

First Vermont Cavalry of Farnsworth's Brigade, Kil- 
Patrick's Division. 

"The moment was a critical one. This irruption in 
the rear of my main line, if promptly followed up by 
an attack of Kilpat rick's entire force, might produce 
disastrous results if not met with the utmost prompt- 
ness and decision. The cavalry had scarcely broken in 
before I sent a staff officer post-haste to my main line 
on the slope of Little Round Top with orders to detach 
the first regiment he should come to on that line, face 
it to the rear, and come in a run to throw itself across 
the path of the cavalry as they charged up the Plum 
Run Valley. This movement was executed with almost 
incredible promptness, and the Vermonters soon faced 
a withering fire from the Fourth Alabama Infantry, 
which was the regiment brought down from the main 
line under my order. Recoiling from this fire with 
fearful loss, they turned to their left and rear, and rode 
directly up the slope toward where I was stationed near 
one of my batteries. 

"In the meantime I had ordered the reserve of the 
Ninth Georgia, under Captain Hillyer, which I have 
already referred to as being on picket near Kern's 
house on the Emmettsburg Road, to come in a run to 
the support of the batteries, one of which I had shifted 
a short distance so as to face the approaching cavalry. 
Here again the brave Vermonters, now fearfully re- 
duced in numbers, faced a storm of fire against which 
mere human courage could avail nothing, and, turning 
again, and for the last time, toward the spot where the 
cliarge had begun, the remnant which survived the 
fiery ordeal through which they had passed rode back 

88 



MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM WELLS 

into the woods in the direction of their own Hne. 
During the whole of this brief but bloody drama, which 
came directly under my own eyes, I recall distinctly 
two conspicuous figures riding side by side at the head 
of the charging column. One I afterward learned was 
General E. J. Farnsworth, who was killed near the 
close of the charge; and the other. Major William Wells, 
commander of the battalion of the First Vermont 
Cavalry that made the charge, who afterward by con- 
spicuous service rose to the rank of Major-General and 
whose memory you honor to-day in the striking like- 
ness of that handsome statue which crowns the memo- 
rial you have dedicated to him and his gallant 
comrades. General Wells commanded as brave a body 
of horsemen as ever drew sabre. 

"I have gone somewhat into detail, my friends, in 
order that you, the survivors, the friends and fellow 
citizens of these men, may know, from the lips of one 
whose stern duty it was to destroy them if possible, 
that their gallantry excited the admiration even of 
their foes, who now, as friends and comrades, join 
with you in honoring their memory. 

"It has been the general opinion until very recently 
that Pickett's famous charge on Cemetery Ridge on 
the third day was the pivotal point of the battle of 
Gettysburg, but the truth of history is asserting itself, 
and it is now being recognized by all intelligent military 
critics that the ragged mountain spur known as 'Little 
Round Top,' which rises just yonder behind us, was 
the real key to the battlefield, and that the struggle 
for its possession on the afternoon of the second day 
really decided the fate of the battle. History has not 

89 



IN AFFECTIONATE MEIMORY OF 

yet recognized, however, the importance of what has 
always been classed among the minor incidents of the 
great struggle, but which might easily have become of 
the most vital importance to the Confederate army. 
That incident was the breach made in my flanking line 
by the First Vermont Cavalry, which I have just been 
describing. Pickett's fatal attack had just been re- 
pulsed; my flanking line, which covered the right-rear 
of our army, had been stretched to its utmost limit, 
being reduced to a mere skirmish line in many places. 
If under these circumstances General Kilpatrick had 
thrown Farnsworth's entire brigade through the gap 
in my line where the First Vermont Cavalry had en- 
tered, and at the same time had attacked with the full 
strength of Merritt's Brigade up the Emmettsburg 
Road, on which it was in position, the result must have 
been disastrous to that wing of our army at least. 

"I fully realized the critical nature of the situation 
and bent every energy toward preparing for the ex- 
pected attack. That General Longstreet also felt the 
gravest anxiety as to the result of the fighting on this 
flank is evidenced by the fact that he rode hastily over 
from the center, where he was assisting in rallying and 
re-forming the troops that had taken part in Pickett's 
attack, and, with the most marked expression of relief 
in his tone and manner, warmly congratulated me on 
the manner in which the situation had been handled. 
The charge of the Vermonters was then over, and the 
heavier attack which was expected to follow had not 
been made. 

"And now, my friends, let me in conclusion repeat 
that true soldiers always respect each other, it matters 

90 



MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM WELLS 

not on which side of the battle hne they may have 
stood. Yon did yonr dnty as yon saw it, and we did 
ours. There is no monopoly of heroism on either side. 
Nearly a quarter of a century ago, in an address before 
the Association of the Army of Northern Virginia, in 
Richmond, I predicted that the time would come when 
the heroism of both victors and vanquished in the 
great struggle between the sections would be claimed 
as the conunon heritage of the American people. The 
time has come. The 'bloody chasm' created by pesti- 
lent politicians for selfish ends has been closed forever 
by the men who fought the battles, who suffered and 
died for principle, and who illustrated the heroism of 
the American soldier as that of no other soldier of any 
army of any other country has ever been illustrated 
in the annals of time. 

"For many years a steady and increasing tide of 
invasion has been sw^eeping into the South from the 
North and East, but invaders come without the 'pomp 
and circumstance of war.' Their spears have been 
turned into plowshares and their swords into pruning 
hooks, and they march under the white banner of peace 
and progress. In my own State the influx of old 
Federal soldiers and their families has been especially 
marked, and indicates that it will not be long before 
those who once wore the blue will be equal in numbers 
to the former wearers of the gray. They come to find 
homes among us, and we welcome them as friends 
and co-workers with us in developing the fairest land 
on God's footstool, where they are finding peace and 
plenty in their declining years and the promise of 
prosperity and happiness for those who will come 

91 



IN affectionatp: memory of 

after them. 'Away down South' in Florida we have 
long since realized that the war is over, and that all of 
us, blue and gray alike, are loyal Floridians and true 
Americans. 

"No incident of a long and eventful life has ever 
caused me such mingled emotions and vivid memories 
as this meeting with you, my comrades of the First 
Vermont Cavalry Association, on this historic spot 
to-day. The warm welcome you have given me; the 
meeting face to face with the daughter, son, and 
brother of that splendid soldier. General William 
Wells, whose memory, and that of the brave men 
whom they led, we are here to honor; the cordial spirit 
of comradeship which fills the very atmosphere around 
us, have all touched my heart to its very depths, and 
their memory will remain with us while life shall last. 
It is not probable that we shall ever meet again, but 
when we have returned to our several homes, you to 
the verdant hills of 'The Green Mountain State,' and I 
to the smiling shores of 'The Sunshine State,' memory 
will often bring us back to this day, this meeting, this 
spot, where after fifty years of patient waiting, 'Mercy 
and Truth have met together,' Patriotism and Peace 
have embraced each other." 

Introducing General Felix H. Robertson: 
"During this battle a Texas battery was commanded 
by a young Confederate officer. Captain Robertson. 
Captain Robertson was a son of General Robertson, 
who commanded a Confederate brigade of Hood's 
Division, and was fighting side by side with Law's 
Brigade on the afternoon of the third of July. Com- 

92 



MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM WELLS 

rades, it gives me pleasure to introduce General 
Robertson." 

"Mr. President and Members of First Vermont 
Cavalry Association and Ladies and Gentlemen: 

"Since its organization I have been familiar with 
Hood's Division of the Confederate Army of Northern 
Virginia; and if any cavalry commander should have 
asked my professional opinion as to the advisability 
of charging that Division with one regiment of cavalry 
I could only have repeated the advice which Punch gave 
to the two young people who wrote to Punch asking 
whether they should get married. Punch answered in 
one word, 'Don't.' All who know the ground over 
which two battalions of your Regiment were ordered 
to charge from this spot fifty years ago, and the sol- 
dierly qualities of the troops against which that charge 
was made, must conclude that the order which from 
this spot started your comrades unsupported on such 
a charge was an inexcusable military blunder. But 
the fault of giving that order lies not on the First 
Vermont Cavalry. All honor to that splendid Regi- 
ment for its prompt, heroic effort to effect the purpose 
which alone could justify such an order! Napoleon in 
Spain ordered his Polish Lancers to charge a Battery 
on the hills above, and that charge was successful. A 
broad, smooth road led up to that Battery, and it was 
defended by Spanish Irregulars. Here, over this 
ground strewn with granite boulders, thickly studded 
with trees and covered with undergrowth, your com- 
rades had to advance upon trained Confederate soldiers 
over ground where it was impossible to keep an align- 

9^^ 




Hrioadiek-General Felix H. Robertson 
Commandins Cavalry Brigade in Wheeler's Corps. C. S. Army of Tennessee 



MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM WELLS 

ment, and iii^on an enemy skilled in the use of rifles 
and in taking every advantage of cover, well protected 
by boulders, trees, and stone fences. There Napoleon 
had to use all his powers of coniniantl, entreaty, and 
promises of reward to start his unwilling cavalry on 
its charge. Here your comrades, without hesitation, 
promptly and cheerfully obeyed the first order to 
charge. It is an honor to claim such soldiers as coun- 
trymen. That beautiful monument just unveiled fitly 
typifies such a splendid manifestation of soldierly 
virtue as was your charge. 

"Among the great number of monuments which 
stand along what was General Meade's line during the 
Great Battles of fifty years ago none is so beautiful or 
better deserved than that splendid testimonial you 
here dedicate to your comrade, Cfcneral Wells. 

"Alike a credit to the artist who achieved it, and to 
you, the surviving comrades of the First Vermont 
Cavalry, that monument, instinct with soldierly ac- 
tion, fitly commemorates an event that worthily illus- 
trates the best achievements of American Soldiers. 

"I know how you old soldiers feel, and I know that 
you are glad to pass your remaining days in peace, 
and that no more will you be called 'to set a squadron 
in the field.' 

"There are two things about our great war that im- 
press me more strongly the better I am able to appre- 
ciate the wealth and power of the North and the 
poverty and weakness of the South. First, why did 
our statesmen permit us to enter into a war with such 
an adversary .f* Second, how did the South, beginning 
the war with no army, no established government, no 

95 



IN AFFECTIONATE MEMORY OF 

navy, no treasury, keep such a war going four years? 
Since no great fact can exist without adequate cause, 
I declare to you that the only cause to which that 
great effect can be attributed is that there was at the 
head of the Confederate Government the greatest 
statesman of our time — Jefferson Davis! I know that 
you Yanks are not prepared to agree to that state- 
ment, but as honest men you must seek to reach cor- 
rect conclusions on all subjects. If you desire to reach 
sound conclusions about Mr. Davis you must fairly 
consider the circumstances by which he was sur- 
rounded — the scanty means at his command and the 
enormous forces arrayed against him. As long as 
there shall remain in Vermont any of the descendants 
of the men who, fifty years ago, from this spot started 
on that memorable charge, I shall confidently expect 
from them a just — ^yes, — a generous recognition of the 
high qualities Jefferson Davis manifested as President 
of the Southern Confederacy. Nor will he suffer in the 
opinion of your descendants when they know how 
firmly he adhered, in his high office, to the principles 
he professed before he became President ; his scrupulous 
observance in all his acts of his official oath, and the 
courage and dignity with which he met all his reverses. 
The overthrow of the Confederacy should no more 
operate to deprive Jefferson Davis of the fame justly 
due for his many high qualities displayed as President 
of the Confederacy than should the heroic failure of 
the First Vermont Cavalry in its charge on Hood's 
Division warrant us in mutilating that beautiful monu- 
ment to General AVells and denying to you, the sur- 
vivors, the right that you have noble earned to be 

96 



MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM WELLS 

called Heroes worthy of the affectionate regard of all 
your countrymen." 

Introducing Colonel John McElroy: 

"Ladies and Comrades: 

*'I am going to call as the next speaker a gentleman 
who is known and loved by every surviving soldier of 
the Union Army, one who through the columns of the 
^National Tribune' has brought happiness to the home 
and fireside of every man who wore the blue, a man 
who, when fifteen years of age, served in the Sixteenth 
Illinois Cavalry, a man who, as a boy, endured the 
horrors of prison life in Andersonville. That boy and 
this man is Colonel John McElroy, editor of the 
^National Tribune,' whom it is now my pleasure to 
introduce." 

"Mr. President, Ladies, and Gentlemen: 

"In the countless centuries since the sword began to 
devour, myriads of flags and standards have been 
flaunted in the light of day. 

"All these were born of the lust of greed, the arro- 
gance of power. 

"Our own stainless banner is the only one among all 
those tens of thousands which was conceived in liberty, 
born to assert a principle, and supported with exalted 
courage to maintain that principle. 

"When our forefathers set it up as the symbol of the 
strange new political doctrine that the supreme func- 
tion of government is to secure right and justice for 
every man, even the lowliest, they solemnly pledged 
their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor to 

97 




Colonel John McElroy 



MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM WELLS 

the maintenance of the principle the Fhig repre- 
sented. 

"Never since history began has a pledge been kept 
with snch unfaltering faith, such an unparalleled sacri- 
fice of life and fortune. 

"To make that Flag mean all that the fathers 
pledged it to mean — far more men have bravely died 
on land and sea than have fallen under all the banners 
now floating in Europe. 

"Briton and Gaul, German and Frank, Russian and 
Turk have shaken the earth with their gigantic con- 
tests, but not so many men have fallen under all their 
banners as have gone down to valiant death under 
ours in the one hundred and thirty-seven years of its 
existence. 

"This cannot be wholly accounted for by the Amer- 
icans being an heroic composite of the chief fighting 
races of the world— the English, Irish, Scotch, Dutch, 
Germans, and French. 

"A vastly stronger reason is that the men under 
our Flag were always fighting for the principle it em- 
bodied — for a principle imbued into them, and made 
the law of their lives by the churches, schools, and 
homes they had left. A something for which their 
fathers and mothers prayed, and for which their sisters, 
wives, and sweethearts ardently longed. 

"It was something dearer to them than life itself. 
To achieve success for that principle, hardships were 
welcomed as a joy, and danger courted as a bride. 

"What places our connnon American manhood upon 
the pinnacle of humanity is that we are able to say 

truthfully of it: 

99 



IN AFFECTIONATE MEMORY OF 

"So near is grandeur to our dust, 

So nigh is God to man, 
That when Duty whispers low, 'Thou must,' 

The youth repHes, 'I can.' 

"A sad Oriental proverb says that grass never 
springs again from a spot trodden by the hoof of the 
Sultan's horse. 

"We can make a glorious antithesis to this by saying 
that wherever the x\merican soldier has fought, justice 
and righteousness have become the enduring law. 
Churches, schools, and homes have sprung up, and 
there white-winged Peace has made her permanent 
dwelling place. 

"The character the American soldier has always 
displayed can be illustrated by a single chapter from 
the voluminous history of the greatest war wdiich ever 
reddened the earth. 

"In May, 1864, an army of one hundred and twenty 
thousand American soldiers crossed the Rapidan and 
clutched in mortal struggle another army of eighty 
thousand American soldiers. The advantage of posi- 
tion fairly equalized the forces. 

"For eleven months, fiercely swirling with hate and 
manslaughter, that death grapple never slackened for 
an instant. 

"For eleven months the relentless rifle sought Its 
victims day and night. The angry cannon never 
ceased its hideous bellowing. 

"The gloomy labyrinths of the wilderness became 
an ocean of flame, scorching the living, burning up the 
dead and wounded, but the fury of the Blue and Gray 
rose above that of the flames as they charged one 

100 



MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM WELLS 

another through the stifling reek hke demons in some 
infernal combat in the underworld. 

"For eleven long months the march of the Con- 
federates was marked by a trail of thickly-lying mounds 
of new-made graves. Every house in Virginia for a 
hundred miles to the rear was crowded with the 
wounded sent back from the front. 

"For eleven long months the red earth in the rear of 
the Army of the Potomac daily received a noble tribute 
of hundreds of the first-born of loyal homes, and even 
the dearly -loved little Benjamin of the flock. Every 
steamer for the North was filled with a sad load of the 
terribly wounded. 

"Rank, birth, and wealth all fell alike before the 
undiscriminating musket. The same red clay was 
thrown over the Major-General's double stars and the 
Corporal's double stripes. Professors in colleges and 
humble day-laborers were buried in their coarse 
blankets side by side. 

"But the thinning battalions of both sides, marching 
into other fights from their yet warm dead, struck at 
each other with the same fierce courage of their first 
battles. 

"Lee's decimated brigades poured out their blood as 
lavishly at Spottsylvania as Meade's shrunken ranks 
did at Cold Harbor. 

"The awful slaughter of the Union troops at the 
Crater was matched by the sweeping destruction of 
Gordon's Confederates at Fort Stedman. 

"In the last battle the remnants of the Confederate 
Army turned at Sailors Creek and struck valiantly at 
their pursuers as Pickett had charged at Gettysburg. 

101 



IN AFFECTIONATE MEMORY OF 

"The scarred, battered, and depleted Second and 
Sixth Corps rushed as furiously at the obstinate Con- 
federates as they had charged the blazing heights of 
Fredericksburg. 

"The American soldier had shown himself the 
greatest ever marshaled in his exalted courage that no 
hardship, no long-continued strain, no bloody defeat, 
no terror of death could quell or even dampen. He 
rose superior to the worst that fate could do. 

"We can say with confidence that no other than an 
American army could have endured unshaken the 
terrific hammering the Army of Northern Virginia 
received from the Rapidan to the Appomattox. We 
say this with conviction, because in all the rolling 
centuries no other army ever did endure such a test 
of its mettle. 

"We can say without fear of contradiction that no 
other than an American army could have made such a 
campaign as the Army of the Potomac did from the 
Rapidan to the Appomattox. Every man whose eyes 
were gladdened by the flag of truce on that fateful 
April 9 could look back with moistened lids on five 
comrades who had started with him, but were now in 
hospitals of pain or sleeping in Virginia's clay. 

"Every mile that the Army of the Potomac marched 
had been crimsoned by the blood of thousands of its 
best and bravest, every rod of ground it gained cost 
the dole of some precious life. But it never released 
the iron clutch upon the throat of the Confederate 
Army. Discouraged by no failures, appalled by no 
slaughters, relentless as death, it clung to its mighty 
purpose until it wrung victory out of adverse fate. 

102 



IViAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM WELLS 

"W^e can claim this surpassing glory for the Army of 
the Potomac without fear of contradiction, because 
neither Europe nor Asia ever produced an army with 
such a record for endurance, courage, and fortitude. 

"Wlien we recall Napoleon overriuining Germany with 
less loss on both sides than occurred in the Wilderness, 
when we remember that Germany overcame the great 
martial nation of France with less fighting and less loss 
than in the campaign against Richmond, we get some 
comparison whereby to estimate the Army of the 
Potomac's towering greatness. 

"W'e are now entering upon the period when the 
people look back upon the tremendous war with glow- 
ing pride in the exalted American manhood on both 
sides, displayed in every field, while 

"The mighty mother with her tears 
Turns the pages of her battle years. 
Lamenting all her sons." 

Introducing Colonel Heman Allen: 

"It is a pleasure now to introduce one who was my 
boyhood friend, a man who served with distinction as a 
member of that famous Thirteenth Vermont Infantry; 
a man whose admiration for Chaplain Woodward, 
known as the fighting Chaplain of the First Vermont 
Cavalry, was so great that recently, at his own ex- 
pense, he erected a monument to Chaplain Woodward 
in the town of Westford, the boyhood home of both. 
This man is Colonel Heman Allen, Gettysburg com- 
missioner for Vermont, who will now address you." 

"Mr. President, Ladies, and Gentlemen: 

"One of the distinguished officers of this splendid 

103 




Colonel Heman W. Allen 



MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM WELLS 

Regiment was the Reverend John H. W'oodward, its 
first chapLain. At the time the Regiment was raised, 
Mr. Woodward was serving in the LegisLature of Ver- 
mont as one of the Senators from Chittenden County. 
He was elected ChapLain, resigned from the Senate, 
accepted the appointment and joined the Regiment; 
served for nearl^^ two years most acceptably as its 
spiritual advisor and teacher. He was popular with 
the officers and men, ever ready to be of help, ac- 
companying the troops in many of their raids and 
reconnaissances. So active was he that he became 
known as ihe fighting Chaplain of the First Vermont 
Cavalry. 

"In 1910 the town of W'estford, his home town, 
voted to erect a monument in honor of the 'Boys in 
Blue' who marched from that town to the battlefields 
of the Civil W ar. A handsome monument was erected 
and dedicated on July 4, 19 1'-^. This monument is 
surmounted by a life-size statue of Chaplain W^ood- 
ward, who served as Pastor of the Congregational 
Church of that village for a period of twenty-six years. 
The statue was presented by two friends, natives of 
Westford, his former parishioners. 

"Mr. Woodward has passed to his reward, mourned 
by his comrades and those who knew him, leaving 
behind him a record of patriotism, good living, and 
service to mankind." 

Introducing Colonel Henry O. Clark: 

"Few men in Vermont have taken more interest in 
the veterans of the Civil War than Colonel Clark. 
Much of his time and much of his money have been 

105 




Colonel Henry o. Clark 



MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM WELLS 

freely given that his State might be benefited and 
honored and the comforts of his comrades enhirged. 
Colonel Clark, like the speaker who has preceded him, 
was a member of the Sixteenth Vermont Infantry, 
but the liberality of his thought and high sense of 
patriotism extends to all Vermont regiments, more 
especially the First Vermont Cavalry. Colonel Clark, 
it is up to you to tell us what you think of that famous 
First Vermont Cavalry, the statue of whose gallant 
commander, just unveiled, must surround you with 
inspirations; Colonel Clark." 

"Mr. Chairman, Ladies, and Gentlemen: 
"I have been introduced as a member of the Six- 
teenth Vermont Volunteers. While any man might 
be proud to have belonged to that grand organization, 
I cannot claim the right. I was a soldier in the Thir- 
teenth Vermont Regiment in the same Brigade as was 
the Sixteenth (Stannard's). The Thirteenth Regiment 
did about the hardest fighting that was done on this 
great battlefield fifty years ago to-day. At least, 
that is what is claimed by its survivors, many of 
whom are present with us here. In charging the 
flank of the enemy in Pickett's assault, it contributed 
largely to the success of our arms at the critical point, 
and captured more prisoners than it had men in its 
ranks. 

"The First Vermont Cavalry, whose beautiful moun- 
ment is dedicated here to-day, is well known to us all 
as the bravest, most intrepid, and hardest fighting 
Cavalry Regiment in the service. We are proud of its 
record of achievements. AVe knew it well during the 

107 



IN AFFECTIONATE MEMORY OF 

war. ^lany times, I remember, while marching on a 
heavy mud road, loaded down with knapsack and equip- 
ment, weary and footsore, a detachment of the First 
Vermont Cavalry would pass, mounted on fine horses, 
men jolly, nattily dressed and up to date — something 
like our chairman of the day, who was a member of the 
First Vermont; and we foot soldiers used to say, 
'If I ever enlist again it will be in the Cavalry, where 
I can ride. Those chaps have an easy time compared 
with us.' We little knew then of their trials and hard- 
ships, though later we learned of them. While the 
Infantry had hard days of marching and many priva- 
tions, they were often in regular camps with stockaded 
and comfortable tents and a warm place to sleep; and 
sometimes for months with light duties and only suffi- 
cient drills to keep them in fit condition for active 
service, whereas the Cavalry rarely had an estab- 
lished camp. They were out on raids and scouts in 
small parties, doing picket duty in exposed positions, 
living in brush houses and exposed to cold, sleet, and 
rain with no shelter available. Every soldier in every 
branch of the service had to keep himself in good 
condition physically, but the Cavalry soldier had in 
addition to keep his horse sound and in shape to 
start on any desperate adventure at a moment's 
notice; to look out for his feed, often so difficult to 
obtain that many times the soldier divided his ration 
of hard biscuit with his faithful and uncomplaining 
horse. 

"We of the Infantry learned that the life of a Cav- 
alryman was not one of ease and comfort, but rather 
one of unceasing work, hardship, and care, with never- 

108 



MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM WELLS 

ending watchfulness to prevent surprise, capture, or 
death. 

"We feel proud of the monument erected by the State 
in honor of the First Vermont Cavalry, so well known 
for valor during the entire four years of the Civil War. 
Having been many times on this field, I have seen all 
the monuments, and, in my opinion, this is one of the 
most beautiful and artistic of the many erected to 
connnemorate brave and gallant deeds performed here 
fifty years ago." 



Introducing General L. A. Grant: 

"The Old Brigade will be the next sentiment. How 
fortunate that the beloved and distinguished Com- 
mander of that Brigade is with us. At the advanced 
age of eighty-three he comes from far-away Minnesota 
that he may, on this historic ground, meet the survivors 
of his old Brigade; meet those who followed and loved 
him. General Grant, we welcome you. You honored 
both your State and nation." 



"Mr. President, Ladies, and Gentlemen: 

"Inasmuch as I was not named in the program, it 
ought not to be expected that I should make any re- 
marks. I knew the First Vermont Cavalry to be one 
of the best, if not the best, Cavalry Regiment in the 
field. I knew General Wells to be one of the best 
officers in the army, and this monument, erected to 
their memory, shall stand as a witness to their valor 
and heroic deeds." 

109 




AIajok-Ueneral L. a. Ukant, U. S. Volunteers 
Commanding the Old Brigade and Second Division Sixth Army Corps 



MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM WELLS 

Introducing Governor U. A. Woodbury: 
"The man I am now about to introduce brought 
back to Vermont the first empty sleeve. He was a 
brave soldier and efficient officer; a man who always 
stood high in the counsels of the State and nation; a 
man who was honored by being made Governor of his 
State, but who made honors easy by the splendid 
administration he gave his State; a man whose friend- 
ship I have prized and enjoyed for many years. This 
man is Governor Woodbury, whom I now have the 
honor to introduce." 

"Mr. President, Comrades, Ladies, and Gentlemen: 

"The First ^^ermont Brigade played an important 
but not prominent part in the drama enacted here fifty 
years ago. As a part of the Sixth Corps it guarded the 
left flank of the Union Army, which was an assurance of 
the more actively-engaged forces of the Army of the Po- 
tomac that they would not be flanked in that direction. 

"If the Sixth Corps had been called into action im- 
mediately after Pickett's repulse, Gettysburg might 
have been a more decided victory and the war con- 
siderably shortened. Speculations of this kind fifty 
years afterward are not of much value, however, and it 
is more satisfactory to believe that the duration, the 
sacrifices, and the hardships of the gigantic struggle 
were ordained of God to work out his righteous purpose. 

"I esteem it a high honor to be asked to take even 
a small part in these interesting ceremonies. This is a 
great day — the fiftieth anniversary of a great battle 
in which the flower of Northern and Southern manhood 
met in a deadly struggle. Happily for our now united 

111 




(jovernok U. a. Woodbury 
Second Vermont Regiment, "Old Vermont Brigade" 



MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM WELLS 

country, the victory rested with the North. Enemies 
of half a century ago who were then eager for the 
blood of each other meet to-day in friendship, each 
eager to perform some loving service for the other. 
The erection of this beautiful monument gives me 
much satisfaction. It is a fitting recognition by Ver- 
mont of a gallant officer and a gallant regiment. I 
have always had a warm place in my heart for the 
Vermont Cavalry, for I had a brother in that regiment 
who gave his young life while fighting for his country. 
He was a typical cavalryman, brave and dashing, and 
I believe would have attained high rank had he lived. 
He was killed in action in April, 1863, while First- 
Lieutenant of Company B. 

"I have also many lifelong friends in this Associa- 
tion, among whom are your President, Colonel Parker, 
and General Peck, your Secretary. To General Peck 
and his associates much credit should be given for this 
monument, its location, and dedication. The ground 
upon which we stand is sacred groimd, made so by the 
blood of patriots shed in making one of the most dash- 
ing and gallant cavalry charges of the Civil W^ar. It 
was here that the First Vermont Cavalry, under its 
heroic leader, Colonel Wells, added to its fame and 
presaged its brilliant service for the future. May 
these anniversary days of the greatest events in human 
history awaken in us a greater love of God, of Country, 
and of mankind." 

Introducing General E. D. Dimmick: 
"The First Vermont Cavalry and the Fifth New 
York Cavalry were fighting chums. Whenever one 

113 




General E. D. Dimmkk, U. S. Army 



MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM WELLS 

regiment got into a tiglit place the other was always 
ready to rush in and help it out. They were fighting- 
friends, and were so known in the Cavalry Corps. I 
am about to call upon a gentleman who was known as 
a fighting Captain in the Fifth New York. A gen- 
tleman, who, at the close of the war, was commis- 
sioned in the regular army and rose to the rank of 
Brigadier-General. It gives me pleasure to introduce 
General Dimmick." 

"Your Excellency and Honorable Members of the 
Commission, Ladies, and Gentlemen: 

"I feel highly honored through the courtesy of my 
esteemed friend and comrade, General Peck, that I 
have been given this privilege of making a few remarks 
on our Brigade. I was an enlisted man in the* Fifth 
New York Cavalry, and it was my good fortune to be 
brigaded with such fine regiments as the First Vermont, 
Eighteenth Pennsylvania, and the First West Virginia 
Cavalry, regiments that their States and the nation 
may well feel proud of. Time will not permit me to 
speak of our many cavaliy fights in the valley of the 
Shenandoah, Harrisonburg, Culpeper, W^arrenton, 
Thoroughfare Gap, Hay Market, Cedar Mountain, 
Second Battle, Bull Run, Antietam, and other places; 
but I want to speak more particularly of the First 
Vermont Cavalry. A strong bond of friendship sprang 
up between it and my regiment from the day that we 
were first brigaded together; and this friendship grew 
stronger from day to day and month by month through- 
out the war, and will be more firmly cemented by the 
crowning events of this day. I know that I voice the 

115 



IN AFFECTIONATE MEMORY OF 

sentiment of every surviving member of the Fifth 
New York Cavahy when I say that there was no 
braver regiment of cavahy in the Army of the Potomac, 
nor one with a finer record than the First Vermont. Of 
the services of 'Our Brigade' during the Gettysburg 
campaign — the stubborn battle with Stuart's Cavalry, 
in the town of Hanover, on June 30th; at Hunters- 
town on the evening of July 2nd; the part we took in 
the battle of Gettysburg, particularly the part played 
by the gallant First Vermont Cavalry on July 3rd at 
this hour, the pursuit of the enemy over the mountain 
that pitch-dark, rainy night; the capture of most of 
General J. E. B. Stuart's wagons; and the fight at 
Hagerstown, Maryland, July 6th, opposed by Hood's 
Division of Infantry, supported by the cavalry, is a 
matter of history. Time will not permit me to go into 
details, but we have the authority of Generals Grant, 
Sheridan, J. H. Wilson, and other cavalry leaders 
that there were no better cavalry regiments than the 
First Vermont and the Fifth New York Cavalry." 

Introducing Colonel W. D. Mann: 

"Colonel Mann, it was most kind of you to honor 
this occasion with your presence. You were Colonel 
of the Seventh Michigan Cavalry, a Regiment that 
affiliated and often fought side by side with the First 
Vermont. Y^ou knew our men. You knew our officers. 
We knew you and your men. Without further intro- 
duction you will find us interested listeners." 

"Mr. Chairman, Your Excellency, and Gentlemen: 
"I deeply appreciate your consideration in giving me 
opportunity to say a word of that grand old Regiment 

116 



MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM WELLS 

on this occasion of dedicating this noble monument 
to the one-time Colonel of the First Vermont Cavalry. 
It was my opportunity to see and know a good deal of 
the Regiment, and at one time a detachment of it, 
under Lieutenant-Colonel Preston, was under my com- 
mand when I was charged with the duty of guarding 
the Orange & Alexandria Railroad — the line of com- 
munication between the base of supplies and our army 
on the Rappahannock — against the pernicious activi- 
ties of the guerrilla chief, Mosby. I had in my 
command my own regiment, a detachment of the Fifth 
New York, and a part of the First Vermont, and I 
assure you that Mosby kept us all very much on the 
alert and pretty busy. At one time he secured a sec- 
tion of artillery from Stuart's command, and, gather- 
ing a force said to have been nearly four hundred 
troopers, he made a raid on the road, May 30, 1863, 
firing upon a train of supplies with his cannon, a shot 
going through the locomotive and knocking it from 
the rails. He promptly proceeded to pillage. It was 
at a point some three miles from my headquarters' 
camp. When I heard his cannon I mounted my force, 
dividing it, going myself with a part directly to the 
train, and sending the other detachment luider Colonel 
Preston off to the right, with the idea of reaching 
Mosby's line of retreat if he should run away before I 
got at him. When I came within his sight he began a 
hurried retreat exactly in the direction I had expected. 
At Grapewood Farm, near Greenwich, he encountered 
Preston, and about the same moment my own de- 
tachment arrived, and he was brought to bay, the only 
time history relates when he stood for a fair fight. 

117 




C ■.i.ci.NLL, "W. D. Mann 



MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM WELLS 

Colonel Preston, with the First Vermont, charged in 
the lead, and a more gallant action I never witnessed. 
He was met by cannon firing grapeshot, but grapeshot 
could not stop Preston or his Vermonters. We suc- 
ceeded in giving Mosby a severe drubbing, resulting 
in seven of his men killed and fifteen wounded that 
were unable to get away in the thickets and became 
our prisoners. We captured his guns and a number of 
other prisoners. We lost four men killed and some 
eighteen wounded, among them being Lieutenant 
Barker, of the Fifth New York. Captain Haskins, of 
the Forty-fourth British Infantry, on leave and serving 
with Mosby, was mortally wounded, and Lieutenant 
Chapman, in command of his artillery and graduate of 
West Point, was severely wounded. No braver sol- 
dier, no more patriotic citizen, no nobler man than 
Preston served in our Civil W^ar. I did not personally 
know General Wells, but I knew enough of him to say 
he well deserved the honor which the Green Mountain 
State has done him in this monument you have un- 
veiled. The monument honors the Regiment as well 
as General Wells; and no State had a regiment more 
deserving of its honor than did Vermont in its First 
Cavalry Regiment." 

Introducing Captain George Hillyer: 

"Unexpectedly and most graciously we are favored 
with the presence of a distinguished Confederate 
officer, one who was a Captain in the Ninth Georgia, a 
regiment whose casualties had been so great that, on 
the third day of the battle on this historic ground, not 
a field officer was left, and Captain Hillyer, whom I 

119 




Captain George Hillyer, C. S. Army 



MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM WELLS 

am now about to introduce, was called on to command 
the Regiment. Judge Hillyer, you earned distinction 
as a fighting Confederate soldier during the four years 
of war, and have since been honored by your State by 
being made one of its Judiciary. We gladly welcome 
you to this ceremony, and will follow you with interest. 
I have the pleasure of introducing Judge Hillyer, of 
Georgia." 

"Mr. President, Ladies, and Gentlemen: 
"I am here merely as a spectator — an exceedingly 
interested spectator and listener in these ceremonies. 
That beautiful and tasteful monument in enduring 
stone and bronze, with the splendid utterances of 
noble men on both sides, where fifty years ago we 
struggled over this historic spot, including the inspiring 
words and splendid sentiments of my former com- 
mander, General Law, have stirred my heart and 
moved me to a most unusual degree. 

"My regiment was the Ninth Georgia Infantry, of 
General George T. Anderson's Brigade, the Seventh, 
Eighth, Ninth, Eleventh, and Fifty-ninth Georgia of 
Hood's and Law's Division. We had been severely 
engaged during the afternoon of the 2nd of July on the 
left flank of the Division. I was only a Captain, the 
third Captain in rank in line of the Ninth Georgia. 
During the severe fighting back and forth, three or 
more times across the historic 'wheat field,' and one 
time, when we advanced to the very foot and a small 
distance up the slope of the 'Little Round Top,' we 
had suftered severely, losing more than half of the 
officers and men of the regiment, every officer above 

121 



IN AFFECTIONATE MEMORY OF 

nie having fallen, being either killed or so severely 
wounded as not again to be able for duty for more 
than three months, leaving me during that time in 
command of the regiment. But I know your thoughts 
are fixed on the cavalry fight on this historic spot, 
something more than a mile to the right of where we 
had been engaged on the 2nd. 

"During the forenoon of the 3rd of July the Eleventh 
Georgia, under command of Major McDaniel, a noble 
and splendid man, afterward Governor of our State, 
was withdrawn from the front, or Plum Run line, and 
sent along the Emmettsburg Road to meet Kilpat- 
rick's Cavalry, then making demonstrations at that 
point. The Seventh Georgia and the First Texas were 
already in position on that line. The First Texas had 
been badly decimated, like my own regiment, in the 
battle of the day before, and they had hardly force 
enough to station their men closer than five or six 
feet apart. Soon after I arrived at the point of actual 
fighting on the Emmettsburg Road Colonel Maddox, 
of the Seventh Georgia, was severely wounded and 
taken from the field. The combat went on for some 
time thereafter, we holding our line successfully, my 
regiment in a position for immediately supporting and 
relieving the Seventh Georgia when necessary. 

"The Emmettsburg Road at that point is on slightly 
rising ground, and suddenl}^ I saw a force of Federal 
cavalry, charging in column of fours, break through 
the thin line of the First Texas, and come galloping up 
a ravine toward a six-gun battery, Avhich through the 
war and until that time we had known as Riley's Bat- 
tery, but which I notice is put down as Baughman's 

122 



MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM WELLS 

Battery on the maps of the battlefield — Baughman being 
the name of a later commander. I called out to Cap- 
tain Hudson, who had succeeded Colonel Maddox in 
commanding the Seventh Georgia, that the Ninth was 
going to the support of Riley's Battery, toward which 
evidently this cavalry was making the dash. The 
Ninth was double-quicked along the diagonal line, 
partly in the road, but mostly in a straight and shorter 
line; and the Federal cavalry being impeded by a 
stone wall and possibly other obstructions, we suc- 
ceeded on a quick movement in reaching the battery 
first. 

"Talking with Vermonters here during this Reunion 
I discovered that there is some difference of recollec- 
tion as to whether this attacking column of cavalry was 
fired on by Riley's Battery. My recollection is quite 
distinct that as the Ninth Georgia in its rapid march 
passed for a short distance along the Emmettsburg 
Road, when just in front of two other Confederate 
guns, being what was called 'flying artillery' and 
smaller guns than those of Riley's, they were fired 
over our heads — this flying artillery being on slightly 
higher ground, one of my men was severely wounded 
by the 'follow block' from one of those cannon. But I 
think, in point of fact, Riley's men did not see and did 
not fire on the approaching column of cavalry, because 
it was advancing in the ravine I have mentioned and 
out of easy sight of the gunners. So it was that I 
halted my regiment immediately in the rear of Riley's 
Battery, and, facing to the front, we advanced between 
the guns; and there right in front of us was that solid 
mass of horsemen, just preparing to make their dash 

123 



IN AFFECTIONATE MEMORY OF 

at the battery. When the volley came from our line 
at this solid mass of men and horses, right before us, 
and in easy range, you can easily imagine what hap- 
pened, the advantage of position and opportunity being 
so much in our favor. 

"What was left of them changed direction and at- 
tempted to find a new position in a body of woods, or 
timbered land, some two hundred yards away. There 
they encountered a regiment, which I learned that 
General Law had sent to meet them, the Fifteenth 
Alabama. From the roar of musketry which followed 
we knew that the fighting in those woods was quite 
severe. In a little while fifteen or twenty came back 
out of the woods, some of them wounded and a few on 
foot, but by this time the First Texas had concen- 
trated in a new and better position, and with this ad- 
vantageous position and successful attack of the Ninth 
Georgia the few who thus returned from the timbered 
land, as I mentioned, were nearly all killed or captured. 
I learned afterward that quite a number retreated in a 
different direction and passed out into the main Federal 
lines through the timber to the right, or south of 'Big 
Round Top,' though I did not know this at the time. 

"I had a man in my company named Craig, who was 
a bad hand to forage and sometimes to straggle, but in 
reality a splendid young fellow and a good fighter who 
was always on hand in every battle. I had not missed 
Craig, but a few minutes after the scattered remnants 
returned toward the position of my regiment, as I have 
just described, I saw Craig coming from the direction 
of those woods. He walked straight up to me and said: 
'Captain, those men are Vermont Cavalry, and their 

124 



MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM WELLS 

commander was General Farnsworth, and he has been 
killed. I saw him killed. His horse had been shot 
down and he was on the ground still fighting and firing 
his pistol. We commanded his surrender, and when 
we were very close to him he said he would die before he 
would surrender, and turned his pistol and shot him- 
self.' I had learned before from other persons that it 
was Vermonters that we were fighting, but I did not 
know the name of the commander until Craig told me. 
Now he told me this certainly within fifteen or twenty 
minutes from the moment of Farnsworth's death. I had 
not then, and have not at this moment, the slightest 
doubt as to the truth of what Craig said. I think it 
likely, however, and I have so heard, that General 
Farnsworth had received several wounds before he shot 
himself, but Craig did not know it. 

"Either the same afternoon or early the next morn- 
ing I learned or heard the statement made in such a 
manner that at the time I fully believed it, that just 
before the charge began some of the scouts or pickets 
of the First Texas had crept up through the thick 
bushes and boulders, or rocks, very close to the Federal 
position, and overheard what they called a quarrel 
between General Kilpatrick and General Farnsworth, 
in which, whilst I cannot pretend to quote the words 
accurately, it appeared that General Farnsworth be- 
lieved it would be imwise to make the charge at that 
point, he having reconnoitered the ground, but that 
his commander (General Kilpatrick) overruled him in 
language that Farnsworth thought reflected upon his 
courage, including the statement that if he (Farns- 
worth) was unwilling to lead the charge he (Kilpatrick) 

125 



IN AFFECTIONATE MEMORY OF 

would lead Farnsworth's men himself. To this Farns- 
worth was said to have replied: Tf you will take the 
responsibility of ordering the charge I will show you 
whether I am afraid to lead my men or not.' This 
seems to be a corroboration of what Craig had said, 
and supplied a motive in a man of sensitive nature 
and lofty pride like Farnsworth, that would lead him 
to say in the crisis of the succeeding struggle that he 
would die before he would be made a prisoner. I 
think I have seen it stated, from other sources, in 
some of the literature of the battle, but without giving 
any distinct authority for the story, that as a historical 
fact Farnsworth did take his own life, though doubt- 
less already mortally wounded at the time. 

'Tt is proper to add that I have not gone out of my 
way to volunteer an account of these personal inci- 
dents, but some of the survivors of Farnsworth's com- 
mand here have asked me to do so, so that my 
testimony and observations from the Confederate side 
might aid in correctly recording these historic events.' 

"Now let me give you another incident. Across the 
field from which Farnsworth's command charged was 
a rock wall sloping up and down the hill. After the 
first crisis I moved my regiment forward and occupied 
this rock wall as a breastwork. Our litter-bearers came 
forward and lay down with us behind the wall. Just in 
front was a wounded Federal soldier, about twenty 
steps off. He was suffering intensely with the heat and 
thirst, and occasionally cried out for water. We 
wanted to relieve him, l)ut it was as much as a man's 
life was worth to show himself above the wall before 

'Sec reproduction of letter from Surgeon P. O'M. Edson on page 128. 

126 



MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM WELLS 

the Federal sharpshooters. I called for a handker- 
chief to use as a flag, but there was not one, at least 
not one that was white. Then I told Rains, one of the 
litter-bearers, to raise his stretcher above the wall and 
wave it. It was not even as white as the handker- 
chiefs, being mostly red from what it had gone through 
the evening and day before. But as soon as it appeared 
above the wall the firing on the other side slackened 
and presently ceased altogether, I then told Rains 
and Upshaw, the other litter-bearer, to get up on the 
wall and wave the stretcher before them. They did 
so, and half a dozen Federals appeared from the 
bushes on the other side. Not a shot was fired by them, 
nor a shot from either side, until Rains and Upshaw 
went forward and brought the wounded Vermontcr in 
and laid him down in the shade behind the wall, where 
we gave him water and what comfort we could. This 
day I rejoice more in that act of mercy and kindness 
than in any claim of glory or success in the battle. 

"Such scenes were common. In the still moonlight 
the evening before, in front of 'Little Round Top,' a 
hundred or more instances occiu-red where the Federal 
litter-bearers were invited and allowed to come within 
our picket lines, and our men allowed to do the same, 
to bring out the wounded of their comrades. No 
solitary instance occurred at such times of a cowardly 
shot being fired, or blow struck, or any unkind word 
spoken from either side to the other, and we gladly 
did the office of humanity and kindness to the gallant 
Vermonter I have mentioned. In fact, that day was 
not the first time it had been my fortune in the war 
to fight Vermonters. At 'Dam Number One,' before 

127 







'^^h^tAA4<^ $41^ a^^^'t^'fy^ ■ ^^^^^^-'^^'^ /i^^^'c /^^vG^'^^ c^-«-.^^-?<- 
'Vf ^1 ""^t- '/ <4' ^UclkAMy. (hcO^, ^?-4A.ji ^^^ ^^eia^i^ 






MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM WELLS 

Yorktown, early in 18G2, we fought a Vermont regi- 
ment; I do not remember its name or number. (A 
voice on the ground — 'The Third Vermont.') Yes, 
doubtless that was it, but, like Farnsworth's Cavalry, 
they were brave and noble men — hard to handle, and 
worthy of all honor and praise. Vermonters! You 
could not break or even bend our spirits with swords 
or bullets, but you win our hearts by kindness! 

"And now. Veterans, let me tell you why I think the 
kind Providence has spared us all during these inter- 
vening fifty years. I say, old Veterans — I mean both 
Confederate veterans and Union veterans — God has 
spared us in order to give us more opportunity and 
additional opportunity to behave. Let us love one 
another, and do our duty to our fellow men and to 
our country and to our God until we die." 

Introducing Colonel John W. Bennett: 
"The next speaker I am to call upon is the only sur- 
viving Lieutenant-Colonel of our Regiment. Colonel 
Bennett was one of the most reliable and fearless offi- 
cers of the Regiment. He won his promotions through 
efficient service. He was always at his post of duty 
wherever and whenever duty called. On the third day 
of this great battle, and immediately preceding the 
charge. Colonel Bennett was in command of his bat- 
talion on the skirmish line. Colonel Bennett was 
present with General Farnsworth when General Kil- 
patrick ordered that reckless, ill-advised charge— a 
charge that cost the Regiment so many lives. Colonel 
Bennett, your presence adds interest and honor to the 
occasion. Colonel Bennett." 

129 



IMAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM WELLS 

"Mr. President, Ladies, and Gentlemen: 
"The First Regiment, Vermont Cavalry, was or- 
ganized September 4, 1861, and was mustered into the 
United States service November 1, 1861, for three 
years or during the war. At that time the Regiment 
consisted of ten companies, but later two companies 
were added, making it a twelve-company regiment of 
twelve hundred men. The original regiment was mus- 
tered out November 18, 1864. The re-enlisted veterans 
and recruits were consolidated into a battalion of six 
companies, and were mustered out August 9, 1865. 

From first to last the regiment had 2,304 men 

There were killed in action and died of wounds 134 men 

Died of disease, including 149 who died in Confederate 

prisons 304 " 

Total deaths 438 men 

"To this must be added many who, from the effects 
of wounds received, disease contracted, and exposure 
in the service, died within a very few years. 

"Commencing with the action at Mount Jackson, 
in the Shenandoah Valley, Virginia, April 16, 1862, 
and terminating at Appomattox Court House, April 9, 
1865, the Regiment participated in seventy-six battles 
and combats. 

"Major Wells assumed command of the Regiment 
upon the death of Colonel Preston, early in June, 1864, 
and was promptly promoted to the Colonelcy; ad- 
vanced to the command of the Second Brigade of Cus- 
ter's Division of Cavalry on September 25, 1864. 
From that date to October 22, 1864, the speaker — 

130 




Cul-II.NKL, .John W . l>h.N;\hli 



IN AFFECTIONATE MEMORY OF 

then Lieutenant-Colonel — was continuously in com- 
mand of the First Vermont Cavalry. The three years' 
term of service ended, the re-enlisted and recruits were 
organized into a battalion of six companies. 

"Property Captured. — At Tom's Brook, Virginia, 
October 9, 1864, the First Vermont Cavalry captured 
two pieces of artillery, with the horses attached, and 
also a large group of prisoners. At Cedar Creek, Vir- 
ginia, October 19, 1864, the Regiment captured one 
hundred and sixty-one prisoners, including one general 
officer, one lieutenant-colonel, twenty-three pieces of 
artillery, fourteen caissons, seventeen army wagons, 
six spring wagons and ambulances, eighty-three sets 
of artillery harness, seventy-five sets of wagon harness, 
ninety-eight horses, and sixty-nine mules. 

"April 9, 1865, at Appomattox Station, the First 
Vermont Cavalry captured eight guns, and some of 
these were from the famous Washington Artillery 
Battalion of New Orleans. 

The regiment captured, October 9, 1864 2 guns 

October 19, 1864 23 " 

April 9, 1865 8 " 

33 guns 

In addition to the above, my recollection is that 
Colonel Preston, when captain, captured one gun 
from the noted rebel, Mosby, making a total of thirty- 
four pieces of artillery captured by the Regiment. 

"The career of the battalion of six companies sus- 
tained the Regiment's unsurpassed record of efficiency 
and came to a triumphant close on April 9, 1865, at 

132 



IVIAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM WELLS 

Appomattox, Virginia. Here the battalion was mov- 
ing rapidly to a charge when halted by the flag of 
truce that preceded the unconditional surrender of 
the Army of Northern Virginia. 

*'A word on what I saw and heard regarding the 
charge on the third day of the battle of Gettysburg: 

"About noon on the third day of the battle of 
Gettysburg, General Farnsworth's Brigade, of Kil- 
patrick*s Division of Cavalry, moved against the 
enemy lying near the southwest base of 'Round Top,' 
the First Vermont leading the Brigade. Soon after 
the Regiment struck the enemy's skirmish lines my 
battalion of four companies was dismounted and the 
Confederates in my immediate front were slowly 
forced back to their main line at the very base of 
*Round Top.' The battalion continued to press for- 
ward, creeping from rock to rock, until the groans and 
moans of the wounded in the opposing lines were 
heard with equal distinctness. No relief could be 
given beyond a drink of water by the tossing of a 
canteen to the sufferer. The wounded could not be 
removed, for a hand or arm shown beyond the edge 
of the protecting rock was likely to add another name 
to the list of wounded. 

"After the fearful cannonading away to the right of 
us had slackened, and the awful musketry that soon 
followed had mostly died away, indicating the failure 
of Pickett's efforts to break our lines, I was standing 
behind a large tree. Hearing a whistle, I looked to 
the rear, and quite a distance back saw General Farns- 
worth in the edge of the woods. He motioned with his 
hand for me to come back. As he was still approach- 

133 



IX AFFECTIONATE MEMORY OF 

iiig, I nodded my head and with my hand signaled 
him to stop. Having ah-eady received a sHght bhster 
on each cheek while endeavoring to keep a watch of 
what was being enacted in my front by peeking around 
first one side and then the other of the trees, I was 
not highly elated at the prospect of a trip to the rear. 
I delayed my start until one of the men, putting his 
hat on a stick, slowly pushed it out a little beyond the 
edge of his protecting rock, and the enemy commenced 
to blaze away at the hat. Then I darted behind the 
next big tree, some thirty feet to the rear. The bark 
flew from both sides; the dirt jumped up all around; 
and a number of sharp spats against my only shield 
betokened objection to my departure. Here I paused 
until the next outbreak along the contending lines, 
and then dashed to the protection of another big tree. 
Each succeeding dash was followed by the whiz and 
hiss until out of range. 

"Generals Xilpatrick and Farnsworth, both dis- 
mounted, were engaged in conversation as I approached. 
General Farnsworth, addressing me, said in substance: 
*General Kilpatrick thinks that there is a fair chance 
to make a successful charge. You have been up in 
front all day, what do you think?' Before I could 
speak General Kilpatrick broke in, saying, 'The whole 
Rebel army is in fidl retreat. I have just heard from 
the right, and our cavalry there is gobbling them up 
by the thousand. All w^e have to do is to charge, and 
the enemy will throw down their arms and surrender.' 
This remark was addressed to me. I replied, 'Sir, I 
don't know about the situation on the right, but the 
enemy in our front are not broken or retreating.' Then 

134 



MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM AVELLS 

I described the position of Hood's (Rebel) Infantry 
Division — behind a stone wall near the front of the 
hill; that there was not a horse in the division that 
conld jump the wall from the lower side. And further, 
the necessary solidity required to make such a charge 
effective against infantry would be destroyed by the 
huge rock covering the ground between us and the 
enemy's lines. I closed by saying, 'General Kilpatrick, 
in my opinion, no successful charge can be made 
against the enemy in my front.' General Kilpatrick 
was evidently annoyed, not to say angered, at my 
remarks. He did not attempt to conceal his dis- 
pleasure, yet he failed to challenge the accuracy of 
any part of my statement of fact. General Farnsworth 
was a listener during this conversation with Kilpatrick. 
"Then General Farnsworth requested me to ac- 
company him for a fin-ther observation {ind examina- 
tion of the field, position of the enemy, etc. We 
mounted our horses and rode away to the west. The 
General made a careful inspection of the position of 
the enemy, of the field covered with lai-ge stones and 
boulders, and all the conditions, stopping frequently 
to make a careful and minute examination, both going 
and returning, I recall that at one point in the field 
of rocks, a hundred feet or more in front of the enemy's 
main line, was a light advance force lying behind the 
remnants of a stone wall (partly removed). Wlien the 
General had completed his examination of all the 
conditions, and we were returning to Kilpatrick's 
headquarters, he turned to me and said, 'Major, I do 
not see the slightest chance for a successful charge.' I 
fully acquiesced in his conclusion. Kilpatrick arose as 

135 



IN AFFECTIONATE MEMORY OF 

we came up, and General Farnsworth explained the 
conditions as he had found them, calling attention to 
the leading facts, and briefly summarized the situation 
and expressed his conclusions. General Farnsworth 
and I were sitting on our horses side by side. General 
Kilpatrick replied: 'General Farnsworth, well, some- 
body can charge.* He did not say that he would lead a 
charge; did not indicate that he would do so while I 
was present. General Farnsworth's set lips turned 
white almost instantly as the sting of the insult seemed 
to burn into his very soul. There was a short pause 
following these words. No language of mine can 
convey a picture of the tension of that moment of 
silence. As General Farnsworth straightened up, every 
fibre of his being seemed rigid. Fearing results that 
might follow, and anxious to arrest General Farns- 
worth's attention before he should speak or act, I 
kicked his foot three or four times with my boot, but 
failed to attract his attention or divert it to the extent 
I intended. The silence was broken by General 
Farnsworth, who replied, 'General Kilpatrick, if any- 
body can charge, we can, sir.' 

"Only three persons were present during this inter- 
view, and I made the third. General Farnsworth and 
I had moved a short distance away when he directed 
me not to mount my battalion, but be ready to aid in 
protecting his right as he moved to the charge. In a 
few moments the mounted column, with the Ver- 
monters in front, came up. My memory is that one 
battalion of four companies, numbering about one 
hundred and twenty men under command of Major 
Wells, was all of the First Vermont Cavalry that par- 

136 



MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM WELLS 

ticipated in the charge. General Farnsworth, with 
Major Wells at his side, led the column as it swung 
into the open field swept by shot and shell, and moved 
to the charge. My battalion charged the enemy's line, 
thus diverting the enemy's fire from the charging 
column for a moment. Away 'into the jaws of death 
and into the mouth of hell' rode that splendid body of 
brave men. They smashed through that slight outer 
line of the enemy, and the men that composed it 
threw down their arms and sprang to the opposite 
side of their protecting rocks to escape the deadly fire 
from their main line that was being poured upon our 
charging body. As our charging column passed, many 
who had thus surrendered gathered up their rifles and 
fired into its rear. 

"Soon, scattered over the field, rushing to the rear 
for shelter from the murderous fire, were dismounted 
men and riderless horses, injured and uninjured, while 
the dead and dying marked the course of the charging 
column. These were the first fruits of the abundant 
harvest that was gathered through the wild insanity 
that ruled the hour." 

Introducing Mr. W. B. Van Amringe: 

"It gives me great pleasure to present Mr. W. B. 
Van Amringe, President of the Van Amringe Granite 
Company of Boston, Massachusetts, the contractors of 
our beautiful monument, and to say that we are indeed 
glad to have him here with us to-day. Our only regret 
is that the accomplished sculptor, Mr. J. Otto 
Schweizer, is not." 



137 




J. Otto Schweizer, 
The Artist 



W. B. Van Amringe 



MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM WELLS 

"Your Excellency, Mr. President, Ladies, and Gen- 
tlemen : 

"The celebration of a Golden Wedding Anniversary, 
in any family, is always a notable event, not only to 
the happy couple who together have traveled the half- 
century journey of married life, but to their children 
and younger generations of relatives present, who 
naturally look upon the Bride and Groom of long ago 
with much awe and veneration. 

"Fifty years to the younger generation seems like a 
long time for Father and Mother to be care-sharing and 
home-building, and it really is a long time reckoned by 
what has happened in the span of fifty years and by the 
marked changes that have taken place. 

"We are gathered here to-day from the Northland 
and the Southland to celebrate the Golden Anniversary 
of a wonderful wedding which took place on, and near 
this spot, fifty years ago, at this very hour. 

"Do you ask the names of the Bridegroom and 
Bride? The pages of history give their names; let us 
read together its record. Lo! we find the following: 

" 'Wedded this day, by the God of War, Heroic 
Deed and Sacrifice to Sweet Memory and Everlasting 
Fame. 

" 'Witnesses: God Almighty, the Angels of Heaven, 
and a great host of friends and foes.' 

"That was indeed a wedding never to be forgotten; 
a Union which no man can ever put asunder, try as he 
may, for on that day the Bridegroom inscribed his 
name and that of his Bride on the Scroll of Fame in 
letters of blood with the point of his sabre, to the 
accompaniment of a wonderful wedding march, in 

139 



IN AFFECTIONATE MEMORY OF 

which the hoarse roar of nigh two hundred cannon 
joined the chorus of a hundred thousand muskets; 
in which the shrill notes of the bugle blast, which 
started your own wild charge, could scarcely be dis- 
tinguished. Yes, that day and hour and ceremony, 
amid shot and shell, will never be forgotten. Blessed 
are the names and memories of those brave comrades 
who are not with us this day in the flesh. 

"It occurred to me while listenijig to the distin- 
guished speakers who have so vividly and interestingly 
pictured the events that took place here fifty years 
ago, to look around for visible objects, that may be 
seen and recognized to-day, that we know for a cer- 
tainty were here on that eventful afternoon of 1863. 

"Only two visible objects can now be seen by the 
natural eye. Old Mother Earth, for one; and you men 
in blue and gray, who were participants in that event, 
are the only other objects that we can see to-day and 
say for a certainty, 'They were here in 1863 and are 
here to-day.' 

"And these two objects can scarcely be recognized 
to-day. Even Old Mother Earth has changed in fifty 
years; and though we recognize her in a general way, 
we find her face seamed with deeper lines, even by 
winding avenues and twisting water courses. Her 
sunken cheeks, with rocks and boulders over and 
around which the mad dash of horse and rider is so 
well remembered, has grown a heavier and whiter 
beard of moss and lichens. 

"You, too, comrades, have changed. You who were 
here at that wedding of Heroic Deed and Everlasting 
Memory. Your faces also have deeper lines engraved 

140 



I^LUOR-GENERAL WILLIAM WELLS 

on cheek and brow; you too have grown a heavier and 
whiter crop of reminders of the flight of years, and so 
we look in vain for some visible object that has not 
changed with years. 

"We turn to bronze and granite, and attempt to put 
into pleasing form our gratitude and our remembrances; 
but a strange truth may here be recalled — that there 
are things more enduring and more lasting than even 
bronze or granite. 

"It is the invisible which the natural eye cannot see 
that is more real and lasting, the one and only thing 
that will never be lost nor forgotten in the centuries 
to come. 

"It is the glorious Record of Heroic Deeds per- 
formed by you and your comrades on this spot, and the 
unselfish Sacrifices which you and your companions 
made, that will always endure; and when you shall 
have passed away, and this spot on the face of Old 
Mother Earth shall no longer be recognized, the 
record of your heroic deeds, and the everlasting 
memory of your service and sacrifice, will still be as 
bright and as enduring as though the two were wedded 

to-day. 

"It can be well said of this twain, who were wed- 
ded fifty years ago, that they have not changed; they 
are 'the same yesterday, to-day, and forever,' and 
where mortal tongue shall name the one, he shall 
likewise name the other. Wherever the historian's 
pen shall describe the Deed there shall be also inscribed 

Memory. 

"Comrades and Friends, I esteem it a great honor 
and privilege to have been invited to be present willi 

141 



IN AFFECTIONATE ME^IORY OF 

you to-day, and to have had a part, a small part, in 
what I have called the Golden Wedding Anniversary 
celebration; and I thank you from the bottom of my 
heart for such an honor and privilege. 

"I rejoice with you to have with us to-day the worthy 
foemen of fifty years ago. They are our honored 
guests and esteemed friends. Our enemies of yes- 
terday have become the true friends of to-day, for 
we know by their presence and earnest assurances 
that they are our conn-ades, rejoicing in the Citizenship 
of a United Coimtry, living under and loving but one 
Flag, Old Glory. May God bless all of us and for 
many years to come." 

President Parker announced: 

"Comrades, fifty years ago, on this very spot, at 
five o'clock in the afternoon, Major Wells, standing 
in front of his battalion, with drawn sabre, ordered his 
bugler to sound the charge, a charge that for daring 
and desperation has challenged the admiration of the 
world. The hour of five o'clock has now arrived. Let 
all uncover and stand with bowed heads while our 
bugler, in commemoration of that historic moment, 
sounds the charge." 

Gilbert D. Buckman, of Sacramento, California, was 
present with the members of the First Vermont Cav- 
alry Regimental Association at the unveiling and 
dedication of the monument in honor of the Regiment, 
at Gettysburg, July 3, 1913. 

He was the bugler of Company L, First Vermont 
Cavalry, and for several months was orderly bugler 

142 



MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM WELLS 

for General George A. Glister, coniniaiidiiig the Michi- 
gan Gavahy Brigade of the Gavahy Gorps, Army of 
the Potomac. At Getty,sl)urg lie was relieved from this 
duty and sent to General Farnswortli. commanding the 




n 




Gilbert D. Buckman 



brigade of which the First Regiment Vermont Gav- 
ahy was a part, and acted as his orderly bugler on 
the afternoon of the charge on July 3, ISO'J. 

It was now six o'clock, and the audience rose and 
sang "x\merica," accompanied by I he l)and of the 
Fifth United States Infantry, and upon the sounding 
of "Taps" the exercises closed. 

143 



MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM WELLS 

Forty-first Meeting 

FIRST VERMONT CAVALRY REGIMENTAL 

ASSOCIATION 

In Vermont Camp, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania 
10 A. M., July 2, 1913 



MEMBERS PRESENT 

Lieutenant-Colonel John ^V. Bennett, 454 South Main 

St., Great Barrington, Mass. 
Adjutant Clarence D. Gates, Burlington, Vt. 
Gilbert D. Buckman, Oak Park, Sacramento, Cal. 

Company A 

Edwards, Ellis B., Yonkers, N. Y. 

Edwards, George Albert, Richmond, Vt. 

Fay, I. E., National Soldiers' Home, Kennebec County, 

Me. 
Grow, J. H., Bethel, Vt. 
Hood, Albert, Woodsville, N. H. 
Moore, Mark S., Granville, N. Y. 
Morse, C. W., Manitowoc, AVis. 
Ryan, T. G., Cambridge, Vt. 
Taft, Levi A., Huntington, Vt. 
Whipple, E. J., Ashland, Neb. 

Company B 

Bonner, L. H., Pasadena, Cal. 

Henry, W^illiam P., 16 Winslow Road, Brookline, Mass. 

Knight, Orris P., North Hero, Vt. 

St. Germain, M., Saint Albans, Vt. 

Stetson, Horace B., North Troy, Vt. 

Ufford, Samuel, R. F. D. 2, Lewiston, W^inona Co., 

Minn. 

145 



IN AFFECTIONATE MEMORY OF 

Company C 

Brunelle, Toussant, Canaan, Vt. 
Gordon, J. W., Montpelier, Vt. 
Eice, M. M., Saint Albans, Vt. 
Stevens, D. W., East Hardwick, Vt. 
Wheeler, John A., Irasburg, Vt. 

Company D 
Burnham, F. E., Littleton, N. H. 
Clifford, C. W., Warren, N. H. 
Curtis, A. H., Berlin, N. H. 
Gracey, John C, Peacham, Vt. 
Hutton, Abia, Westville, N. H. 
Ivennison, A. H., Camden, N. Y. 
Moore, II. A., Passumpsic, Vt. 
AValker, D. C, Jeffersonville, Vt. 
Wheaton, W. M., Ottumwa, Iowa. 

Company E 

Brush, Solomon M., Stowe, Vt. 

May, Edgar, 120 Cottage St., Norwood, Mass. 

Royes, B., 3372 Indiana Ave., Chicago, 111. 

Snow, S. M., West Hartford, Vt. 

Stevens, John W., Lancaster, N. H. 

Wheeler, Charles, Springfield, Vt. 

Company F 

Brink, D. A., Brandon, Vt. 
Dickenson, N. P., Shelton, Neb. 

Farr, Charles R., 25 Manen St., Northampton, Mass. 
Farr, Ransom C, West Chesterfield, N. H. 
Greene, William F., Dighton, Kan. 

146 



MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM WELLS 

Joyce, William C, Northfield, Vt. 
Nash, John M., Saint Albans, Vt. 
Peck, Theodore S., Burlington, Vt. 
Streeter, Henry C, Brattleboro, Vt. 
Thwing, John A., Bellows Falls, Vt. 
Warner, M. C, Proctor, Vt. 

Company G 

Barrett, James, North Clarendon, Vt. 
Eddy, Daniel W\, Hoosick Falls, N. Y. 

Company H 

Bostwick, R. E., South Londonderry, Vt. 
Flynn, William, Alton, 111. 

Leland, Charles C, 017 East Nineteenth St., Minne- 
apolis, Minn. 
Robie, F. C, Coos, N. II. 
Ross, Frank, Amsterdam, N. Y. 
Stoddard, Edgar, Colebrook, N. H. 

Company I 

Cowles, A. E., North Craftsbury, Vt. 
Enos, Joseph, Franklin, N. H. 
Ferry, F. E., South Sutton, N. 11. 
Hall, W. H., Portage, King County, Washington. 
Kaiser, S. H., St owe, Vt. 
Norris, Richard C, Boon, Mich. 
Skinner, G. E., Nyssa, Ore. 
Stevens, J. T., Hyde Park, Vt. 
Washburn, E. A., Crown Point, N. Y. 
Waterman, A. E., 124 Tazwell St., Norfolk, Va. 

U7 



MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM WELLS 

Company K 
Guyette, Frank, Stony Point, N. Y. 
Higbee, Edwin H., Groton, Mass. 
McSorley, John, Malone, N. Y. 

Company L 

Blinn, W. F., Penacook, N. H. 

Fobes, J. A., Beloit, Kan. 

Irish, Calvin H., Northfield, Mass. 

Knight, B. T., 849 Summit Ave., Pasadena, Cal. 

McBride, George L., 119 North Willard St., BurHng- 
ton, Vt. 

Marchessault, Charles, 3118 Russell Ave., Minne- 
apolis, Minn. 

Munsell, William H., W^ells River, Vt. 

Pratt, Henry W., East Berkshire, Vt. 

Stoughton, Augustus C, 80 Colchester Ave., Burling- 
ton, Vt. 

Company M 

Aldrich, John, Island Pond, Vt. 

Boswell, J. H., Castlewood, S. D. 

Deso, Alvah, Swanton, Vt. 

Farrington, George M., North Ave., Burlington, Vt. 

Lander, Peter, 163 North St., Burlington, Vt. 

Parker, Myron M., 1418 F St., N. W\, Washington, 

D. C. 
Williams, T. J., Randolph, Vt. 




7^ S" 






FIRST REGIMENT VERMONT CAVALRY 



FIRST REGIMENT CAVALRY 

By Lieutenant William L. Greenleaf and 
Sergeant Seymour H. Wood 

OF the two hundred and fifty -eight regiments of 
cavahy in the service of the L^nited States dur- 
ing the War of the RebelHon, but few, if any, 
performed more arduous service, or took part in more 
engagements, than did the First Vermont, which dur- 
ing three j^ears at the front participated in seventy-six 
battles and skirmishes — a brief account of which would 
far exceed the limits of this sketch — and achieved a 
reputation as one of the best fighting regiments in the 
army, standing fifth in the list of cavalry organizations 
suffering the greatest loss in killed and mortally 
wounded. 

The Regiment was recruited by Lemuel B. Piatt, 
who had been specially commissioned by the Secretary 
of War for that purpose, and was the first full regiment 
of cavalry raised in New England. The several com- 
panies were enlisted as follows: A, Chittenden County; 
B, Franklin County; C, Washington County; D, 
Orange and Caledonia Counties; E, Windsor County; 
F, Windham County; G, Bennington County; II, Rut- 
land County; I, Lamoille and Orleans (\)unties; K, 
Addison County. In forty-two days from the time 
Colonel Piatt received his authority the Regiment was 
in camp at Burlington, uniformed and mounted. The 

151 



IN AFFECTIONATE MEMORY OF 

organization was then completed by the appointment 
of the following Field and Staff Officers: 

Colonel — Lemuel B. Piatt 

Lieutenant-Colonel — George B. Kelloff. 

Majors — William D. Collins and John D. Bartlett. 

Adjutant — Edgar Pitkin. 

Quartermaster — Archibald S. Dewey. 

Surgeon — George S. Gale. 

Assistant Surgeon — P. O'Meara Edson. 

Chaplain — John H. Woodward. 

The following company officers were elected by the 
several companies and commissioned by the Governor: 

Company A — Captain, Frank A. Piatt; First Lieuten- 
ant, Joel B. Erhardt; Second Lieutenant, Ellis B. 
Edwards. 

Company B — Captain, George P. Conger; First 
Lieutenant, William M. Beeman; Second Lieutenant, 
Jed P. Clark. 

Company C — Captain, William Wells ; First Lieuten- 
ant, H. M. Paige; Second Lieutenant, Eli Holden. 

Company D — Captain, Addison W. Preston; First 
Lieutenant, John W. Bennett; Second Lieutenant, 
William G. Cummings. 

Company E — Captain, S. P. Rundlett; First Lieuten- 
ant, Andrew J. Grover; Second Lieutenant, John C. 
Holmes. 

Company F — Captain, Josiah Hall; First Lieutenant, 
Robert Scofield. Jr.; Second Lieutenant, Nathaniel E. 
Haywood. 

Company G — Captain, James A. Sheldon; First 
Lieutenant, George 11. Bean; Second Lieutenant, D. M. 
Blackmer. 

152 



MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM WELLb 

Company II — Captain, S. G. Perkins; First Lieuten- 
ant, F. T. Huntoon; Second Lieutenant, Charles A. 
Adams. 

Company I — Captain, E. B. Sawyer; First Lieuten- 
ant, H. C. Flint; Second Lieutenant, Josiah Grout, Jr. 

Company K — Captain, Franklin Moore; First 
Lieutenant, John S. Ward; Second Lieutenant, John 
Williamson. 

The Regiment was mustered into the service of the 
United States, November 19, 1861, and started for 
Washington on the 14th of the next month, requiring 
for the journey one hundred and fifty-three cars, made 
up into a train of five sections. After passing through 
the experiences common to all new regiments, besides 
losing one Colonel by resignation and another by 
death, it met the enemy for the first time April 16, 
1862, in the Valley of the Shenandoah. In this en- 
gagement it charged through the little village of Mount 
Jackson and drove Ashby's cavalry for more than a 
mile to the North Fork of the Shenandoah, where the 
enemy set fire to the bridge, hoping to cut off further 
pursuit. Finding the stream unfordable, part of the 
Regiment dashed over the burning bridge after the 
flying Confederates, while the remainder brought 
water from the river in their feed-bags and extinguished 
the flames. The loss on this occasion was slight, but 
the regiment displayed in its maiden efi^ort that dash- 
ing valor and fertility of resource so essential to its 
success as a cavalry organization, and for which it was 
afterward noted on fields of greater magnitude. 

On the 23rd of May the Regiment was joined by its 
new Colonel, Charles H. Tompkins, of the Regular 

153 



IN AFFECTIONATE MEMORY OF 

Army, who had already achieved a reputation as a 
dashing cavahy officer, and under his leadership, in the 
retreat down the valley under Banks, the Regiment 
had its full share of fighting, meeting the enemy at 
McGaheysville, Middletown, and Winchester. In the 
campaign under Pope, which culminated in the second 
battle of Bull Run, the First Vermont was constantly 
on the move, and was engaged at Luray Court House, 
Culpeper Court House, Orange Court House, Kelley's 
Ford, Waterloo Bridge, and Bull Run. At the close 
of this campaign the Regiment, much reduced in num- 
bers by its arduous service, was assigned to duty in 
the defenses of Washington. Its headquarters were 
established near Alexandria, and detachments were 
stationed at Annandale, Lewinsville, Dranesville, and 
other points. In September Colonel Tompkins re- 
signed and was succeeded by Edward B. Sawyer, 
making the fourth Colonel within one year. The 
Regiment had lost during its six months of active 
service three hundred and nineteen men by death or 
discharge, but this loss was made good by the addition 
of Company L — Captain, H. Chester Parsons; First 
Lieutenant, John W. Newton; Second Lieutenant, 
Alexander G. Watson — recruited in Franklin and Chit- 
tenden Counties; and Company M — Captain, John W. 
Woodward; First Lieutenant, George W. Chase; Sec- 
ond Lieutenant, Enoch B. Chase — recruited princi- 
pally in Chittenden County. These, with the addition 
of two hundred recruits distributed among the ten 
original companies, raised the aggregate of the Regi- 
ment to ten hundred and thirty-four. 

During the winter, portions of the Regiment were 

154 



MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM WELLS 

frequently engaged with Mosby and other guerrilla 
leaders. These affairs were comparatively bloodless, 
but the one of April 1, 1863, when Captain Flint, with 
a detachment of the Regiment, undertook the capture 
of Mosby near Broad Run and met with a serious re- 
pulse, in which Captain Flint, Lieutenant C. A. Wood- 
bury, and seven men were killed or mortally wounded, 
twenty-two wounded, and eighty-two men and ninety- 
five horses captured, was a serious blow to the Regi- 
ment. This misfortune was in a measure retrieved on 
May 30th, when Mosby, who had captured a supply 
train of ten cars near Catlett's Station, was attacked 
by Lieutenant-Colonel Preston with about one hundred 
and twenty-five of the Vermont Cavalry and pursued 
to Greenwich, where he attempted to make a stand, but 
was completely routed by a charge led by Lieutenant 
Hazelton, of Company II, and his one piece of artillery 
captured. The loss of the Regiment on this occasion 
was but one man killed and seven wounded, and this 
was its last encounter with this famous partisan 
leader. 

Early in June, 1863, the scattered detachments of 
the Regiment assembled at Fairfax Court House, pre- 
paratory to joining the Army of the Potomac, then on 
the march to Gettysburg. On the 28tli of Jime it was 
attached to the Cavalry Corps of that army and was 
afterward associated with it until the close of the war. 
During the campaign of 1863 the Regiment bore a 
conspicuous part in the brilliant operations which first 
brought the cavalry into notice as a valuable arm of 
the service, and won for itself fresh laurels on the field 
of Gettysburg, where, under the lead of the gallant 

155 



IN AFFECTIONATE MEMORY OF 

Farnsworth, it penetrated within the enemy's Hnes for 
nearly a mile, encountering the fire of five regiments of 
infantry and two batteries, leaving its leader on the 
field, the only general officer killed within the lines of 
the enemy. It also participated in the cavalry engage- 
ments at Hanover, Hunterstown, Hagerstown, Boons- 
borough, Falling Waters, Buckland Mills, and many 
skirmishes of lesser account. 

During the ensuing winter the Regiment was sta- 
tioned at Stevensburg, engaged in picketing the line of 
the Rapidan. It formed a part of Kilpatrick's force in 
his famous raid on Richmond, and was selected to 
make an attempt to enter the city and release the 
prisoners confined in Libby Prison and on Belle Isle. A 
portion of the Regiment was with the ill-fated Dahlgren 
when he made the dash within the fortifications around 
the city which cost him his life. 

In the reorganization of the Cavalry Corps previous 
to the opening of the Wilderness Campaign, the Regi- 
ment was assigned to the Second Brigade of the Third 
Division, and Colonel Sawyer having resigned, Lieuten- 
ant-Colonel Addison W. Preston was commissioned as 
his successor. The Regiment crossed the Rapidan at 
Germanna Ford at daylight on the morning of May 
4th, and moved forward to Parker's Store. Early on 
the morning of May 5th the Second Brigade, with the 
First Vermont Cavalry in front, proceeded to Craig's 
Meeting House, where, at about eight o'clock, the 
advance squadron encountered Rosser's brigade of 
Hampton's calvary, and the engagement which fol- 
lowed was the opening fight of the battle of the Wilder- 
ness. In this action the Union forces were largely 

150 



MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM WELLS 

outnumbered, and the Regiment suffered a heavy 
loss in killed and prisoners. 

The Regiment was with Sheridan in his expedition 
to Richmond in May, 1864, and participated in the 
engagements at Yellow Tavern and Meadow Bridge 
which resulted in the death of General Stuart, the 
famous cavalry leader of the Confederates, and the 
total rout of his forces. Returning to the Army of the 
Potomac, it took part in the cavalry engagements at 
Hanover Court House, Ashland, Hawe's Shop, Bot- 
toms Bridge, White Oak Swamp, Riddle's Shop, and 
Malvern Hill. In the action at Hawe's Shop the 
Regiment met with a severe loss in the death of the 
gallant Preston, whom General Custer declared to be 
"the best cavalry colonel in the Army of the Potomac." 

The army, having crossed the James River, was fol- 
lowed by the cavalry, and the First Vermont, with the 
Third Division and that of General Kautz, was sent 
to destroy the W^eldon, South Side, and other railroads 
leading south and west from the rebel capital. The ex- 
pedition, numbering al)out five thousand men, started 
from Prince George Court House at one o'clock on the 
morning of June 22, striking the Weldon Road at 
Ream's Station, where the buildings and a portion 
of the track were destroyed. During the following 
seven days the Regiment was constantly engaged in 
tearing up railroads and skirmishing with the enemy. 
At Nottoway Court House, Roanoke Station, Stony 
Creek, and Ream's Station these skirmishes were 
quite severe, and the Regiment, bearing its part in all 
of them, suffered considerable loss in killed and 
wounded. At Stony Creek the brigade to which the 

157 



IN AFFECTIONATE MEMORY OF 

Regiment belonged was attacked by Hampton's di- 
vision of cavalry and cut off from the rest of the 
division. After severe fighting it managed to cut its 
way through and joined the other brigade at Ream's 
Station. The whole force then made its way back to 
the Union lines with the loss of its artillery and 
wounded. This expedition was the most severe in 
which the Regiment had as yet been engaged; and, re- 
duced in numbers by the hard service of the last sixty 
days, it went into camp near Light House Point, on 
the James, where it remained some three weeks re- 
cruiting the men and horses for harder experiences 
yet to come. 

On the 8th of August the Third Cavalry Division, 
including the First Vermont, now under Colonel Wil- 
liam Wells, who had succeeded to the command after 
the death of Colonel Preston, embarked for Washing- 
ton on its way to join General Sheridan in the Shenan- 
doah Valley, arriving at Winchester on the 17th. 
General Sheridan was at this time retiring down the 
valley, and the Regiment participated in the engage- 
ments which occurred at Winchester, Summit Point, 
Charlestown, and Kearneyville, crossing the Potomac 
with the rear guard at Harpers Ferry on the night of 
the 25th. On the following day Early began falling 
back up the valley followed by the Union cavalry, and 
during the following week the First Vermont took 
part in several reconnoissances and was in slight 
skirmishes near Berryville and Paris. In the battle of 
the Opequan, September 19th, the Regiment bore an 
active part and was in close pursuit of the retreating 
enemy when darkness put an end to the engagement. 

158 



MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM WELLS 

On the 21st the Regiment led the advance in the move- 
ment, having for its object the clearing ont of the rebel 
cavalry in the Lnray Valley. The First New Hamp- 
shire, fighting dismonnted, had driven the enemy across 
the river, but was unable to effect a crossing. The 
First Vermont was then brought up and charged across 
the stream, driving the enemy from its position. The 
division having in the meantime crossed along the 
pike to the right, the Regiment joined the main col- 
umn and followed the enemy to Front Royal, a distance 
of two miles. Here the Regiment was again detached 
and sent to Gooney Manor, four miles above Front 
Royal, where it found the enemy's rear guard in a 
strong position on a hill south of Gooney Run. After 
skirmishing until after ten o'clock at night the Regi- 
ment was relieved, and joined the brigade. The next 
morning it was again actively engaged near Milford, 
but, finding the position too strong to be carried, our 
cavalry retired to Bucks Ford. On the 2Ctli Colonel 
Wells was assigned to the command of the brigade and 
turned the command of the Regiment over to Lieuten- 
ant-Colonel John W^ Bennett. 

During the first week in October the Regiment was 
in camp near Mount Crawford. On the 7th, as rear 
guard of the cavalry column, it had a severe engage- 
ment with the enemy near Columbia Furnace. General 
Sheridan was disgusted with these constant attacks on 
his rear and ordered his cavalry out the next morning 
with instructions to either whip the enemy or get 
whipped themselves. The result of this order was 
the splendid victory at Toms Brook, in which the First 
Vermont acquitted itself with much credit, capturing 

159 



IN AFFECTIONATE MEMORY OF 

two pieces of artillery, a large number of prisoners, 
and pursued the flying enemy for more than ten miles. 

On the morning of that memorable 19th of October, 
when "Sheridan rode from Winchester twenty miles 
away," Colonel Wells's brigade was guarding the fords 
across Cedar Creek, on the extreme right of the army. 
At the first sound of the firing on the left Lieutenant- 
Colonel Bennett was ordered to move out with his 
regiment, select a position covering the camp, and feel 
the enemy. The Rebel cavalry was found to be in 
force, and arrangements were made to resist its ad- 
vance in case one should be attempted. About nine 
o'clock the bulk of the cavalry was ordered to the 
extreme left to assist the infantry, Colonel Wells with 
his brigade being left to guard the right and prevent 
the enemy from turning that flank. Orders were soon 
received to retire sloVly and keep in line with the infan- 
try. After falling back about a mile a halt was ordered, 
and the cavalry held its position, skirmishing briskly 
for several hours. General Custer then returned to 
the right with the First Brigade and a battery, and 
ordered a charge in which the enemy was driven back 
and the Regiment regained its former position. 

In the final advance of our army, leaving the First 
Brigade to watch the enemy on the right. General 
Custer took the First Vermont .and Fifth New York 
rapidly across the field to strike the left and rear of 
Early's infantry, which was then trying to hold its 
position along the north bank of Cedar Creek, but, 
unable to resist the last furious charge of the Union 
infantry, the enemy broke and fled. The infantry 
halted in their old camps, but the cavalry kept on. 

160 



MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM WELLS 

The First Vermont led the way across the creek at a 
difficult ford west of the pike, the leading squadron, 
under Captain Watson, advancing to a stone wall about 
a quarter of a mile beyond, where it was brought to a 
halt by a volley from the enemy's infantry. Waiting 
until the remainder of the Regiment came up. Colonel 
Wells ordered a charge. In a moment the Regiment 
was over the wall and driving the enemy before it with 
great slaughter. Pushing on more than a mile from 
any support, the Vermonters still in the lead, the two 
regiments struck the valley pike along which the 
enemy was retreating. Night was fast settling over 
that field, both lost and won, but weariness and hunger 
were forgotten by the men at the sight of the rich 
harvest before them, and they pushed on with renewed 
energy to gather in the spoils of the great and un- 
paralleled victory. Reaching a point half a mile 
beyond Strasburg they found the road blockaded for 
miles with guns and wagons and ambulances filled with 
wounded. Whole batteries were captured, with guns, 
men, and horses intact. Captured cannon were sent 
to the rear in charge of small squads, and wagons and 
ambulances by the score were ordered back in charge 
of their rebel drivers. The pursuit was kept up until 
nearly midnight, when the Regiment, satiated with 
victory, returned to the north bank of Cedar Creek, 
having captured one hundred and sixty-one prisoners, 
among whom were one general, one colonel, and one 
lieutenant-colonel, three battle-flags, twenty-three 
pieces of artillery, fourteen caissons, seventeen army 
wagons, six spring wagons and ambulances, eighty- 
three sets artillery harness, seventy-five sets wagon 

161 



IN AFFECTIONATE MEMORY OF 

harness, ninety-eight horses, and sixty-nine mules. 
Eight medals were awarded to the army of the Shenan- 
doah for colors captured in this battle, of which mem- 
bers of the First Vermont received three. 

The term of enlistment of the original members of 
the regiment having nearly expired, on October 22, 
twelve officers and two hundred and seventy men 
were sent home to be mustered out, some four hundred 
re-enlisted men and recruits remaining under the com- 
mand of Major William G. Cummings. During the 
next sixty days the Regiment was employed in outpost 
duty and scouting, keeping itself in fighting trim 
meanwhile by taking part in the engagement at Middle 
Road, Middletown, Lacey's Springs, and Waynesboro. 
At the close of active operations it went into camp 
near Winchester. 

On the 27th of February, 1865, the cavalry in the 
valley started to join the armies of the Potomac and 
the James in the operations around Petersburg. After 
twenty -one days of marching, the long column of nearly 
ten thousand mounted men crossed the Appomattox 
and went into camp near Hancock Station, on the 
military railroad, having made a longer march within 
the limits of the Confederacy than Sherman's famous 
march "from Atlanta to the sea." To any other com- 
mander than Sheridan such a march would have been 
deemed impossible. The rain fell incessantly, and the 
roads led through streams, swamps, mud, and obstacles 
that would have been insurmountable had not the 
whole command been stimulated with the belief that 
they were on their way to lend a helping hand in the 
final struggle of the war. 

162 



MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM WELLS 

On the morning of April 1st the Regiment moved to 
the front of the Division, and during the afternoon was 
actively engaged in the battle of Five Forks, where it 
captured a large number of prisoners. The following 
day it had a slight skirmish with the enemy's cavalry 
at Scott's Corners. On the 3rd it had the advance of 
the cavalry, and struck the enemy behind breast- 
works of considerable strength, behind a deep, muddy 
creek. A part of the Regiment was dismounted, and, 
crossing the creek at some distance from the road, 
came down on the flank and rear of the works, which 
were immediately abandoned by the enemy. The 
remainder of the Regiment having crossed the stream, 
the enemy was followed up and found in force on the 
summit of a hill near Namozine Church. The Regi- 
ment was formed in column of battalions and charged 
the enemy, driving it back upon its reserves. The 
First Vermont and Eighth New York then charged 
together, scattering the enemy in every direction, 
capturing their only piece of artillery and many pris- 
oners, and continuing the pursuit for eight miles. 
General Sheridan called this engagement the battle of 
Winticomack Creek, and gave General Wells the 
credit for its successful management. 

On the 4th the Regiment crossed Deep Creek and 
proceeded to Jeter's Station, on the Richmond and 
Danville Railroad, which was reached the next morn- 
ing after a tedious all-night march. In the opera- 
tions of the 6th the First Vermont was sent to the 
extreme right of the line and followed the retreating 
enemy all day. During the evening of the 8th the 
Regiment arrived at Appomattox Station, where the 

163 



IN AFFECTIONATE MEMORY OF 

enemy's reserve artillery and ammunition trains were 
found. A portion of Colonel Wells's Brigade was at 
once dismounted and sent through the woods to take 
the enemy on the flank, while the First Vermont 
charged them in front. The batteries opened a brisk 
fire, but were soon defeated with the loss of thirty guns 
and a large wagon train. Eighteen of the guns were 
taken by Wells's Brigade, of which number the First 
Vermont captured eight. Among the captured guns 
were those of the famous Washington Artillery of New 
Orleans, which had long boasted of never having lost 
a gun. 

On the morning of the memorable 9th of April the 
Regiment had the advance of the Second Brigade, 
which moved rapidly forward, forcing back the enemy's 
skirmish line. Moving to the right to uncover the 
Fifth Corps, it passed along nearly the entire front of 
the enemy's line under the fire of two batteries, and 
came upon the rebel flank and rear in full view 
of the supply trains. Lieutenant-Colonel Hall was 
ordered to charge the train with the First Vermont, 
and the First Battalion had broken into a gallop, when 
word was received that General Lee had sent in a flag 
of truce, oft'ering to surrender his army, but before the 
Regiment could be halted it had captured the last 
line between it and the train, which in a few minutes 
more would have been added to its long list of captures. 

Sabres were returned never to be drawn again in the 
fury of battle, and the surrender having been com- 
pleted, the Regiment went into camp near the scene 
of its last charge. On the following day the Regiment 
started for Petersburg, where it arrived on the 19th. 

164 



MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM WELLS 

On the 24tli it was ordered to North CaroHna to join 
General Sherman, but when near South Boston learned 
that Johnston had surrendered, and immediately re- 
turned to Petersbiu'g, where it remained until the 
10th of May, when it started for Washington, there 
participating in the Grand Review on the ^Srd. June 
9th it left Washington for Vermont, and on the 13th 
arrived at Burlington, where the men whose term of 
service would expire previous to October 1st were 
immediately mustered out. The remainder were 
consolidated into six companies and stationed at 
Saint Albans, Vermont, and at different points in 
Northern New York until mustered out August 9, 
1865. 

During its three years of active service in the pres- 
ence of the enemy the Regiment captured in open field 
three battle-flags, thirty-seven pieces of artillery, and 
more prisoners than it had men — a record which, it is 
believed, was not excelled by any regiment in the 
Union service. 

ENGAGEMENTS 

Mount Jackson, Va., x\pril 16, 1862. 
McGaheysville, Va., April 27, 1862. 
Middletown, Va., May 24, 1862. 
Winchester, Va., May 25, 1862. 
Luray Court House, Va., June 30, 1862. 
Culpeper Court House, Va., July 10, 1862. 
Orange Court House, Va., August 2, 1862. 
Kelley's Ford, Va., August 20, 1862. 
Waterloo Bridge, Va., August 22, 1862. 
Bull Run, Va., August 30, 1862. 

165 



IN AFFECTIONATE MEMORY OF 

Ashby's Gap, Va., September 22, 1862. 
Aldie, Va., March 2, 1863. 
Broad Run, Va., April 1, 1863. 
Greenwich, Va., May 30, 1863. 
Warrenton, Va., June 18, 1863. 
Hanover, Pa., June 30, 1863. 
Hunterstown, Pa., July 2, 1863. 
Gettysburg, Pa., July 3, 1863. 
Monterey, Pa., July 4, 1863. 
Leitersville, Md., July 5, 1863. 
Hagerstown, Md., July 6, 1863. 
Boonsboro, Md., July 8, 1863. 
Hagerstown, Md., July 13, 1863. 
Falling Waters, Va., July 14, 1863. 
Port Conway, Va., August 25, 1863. 
Port Conway, Va., September 1, 1863. 
Culpeper Court House, Va., September 13, 1863. 
Somerville Ford, Va., September 14, 1863. 
Raccoon Ford, Va., September 15, 1863. 
James City, Va., October 10, 1863. 
Brandy Station, Va., October 11, 1863. 
Gainesville, Va., October 18 and 19, 1863. 
Buckland Mills, Va., October 19, 1863. 
Falmouth, Va., November 4, 1863. 
Morton's Ford, Va., November 28, 1863. 
Mechanicsville, Va., March 1, 1864. 
Piping Tree, Va., March 2, 1864. 
Craig's Meeting House, Va., May 5, 1864. 
Spottsylvania, Va., May 8, 1864. 
Yellow Tavern, Va., May 11, 1864. 
Meadow Bridge, Va., May 12, 1864. 
Hanover Court House, Va., May 31, 1864. 

166 



MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM WELLS 

Ashland, Va., June 1, 1804. 
Hawe's Shop, Va., June 3, 1864. 
Bottom's Bridge, Va., June 10, 1864. 
White Oak Swamp, Va., June 115, 1864. 
Riddle's Shop, Va., June 13, 1864. 
Malvern Hill, Va., June 15, 1864. 
Ream's Station, Va., June 22, 1864. 
Nottoway Court House, Va., June 23, 1864. 
Roanoke Station, Va., June 25, 1864. 
Stony Creek, Va., June 28 and 29, 1864. 
Ream's Station, Va., June 29, 1864. 
Winchester, Va., August 17, 1864. 
Summit Point, Va., August 21, 18(54. 
Charlestown, W^ Va., August 22, 1864. 
Kearneysville, W. Va., August 25, 1864. 
Opequan, Va., September 19, 1864. 

Front Royal, Va., September 21, 1864. 

Gooney Manor Grade, Va., September 21, 1864. 

Milford, Va., September 22, 1864. 

Waynesboro, Va., September 28, 1864. 

Columbia Furnace, Va., October 7, 1864. 

Toms Brook, Va., October 9, 18()4. 

Cedar Creek, Va., October 13, 1864. 

Cedar Creek, Va., October 19, 1864. 

Middle Road, Va., November 11, 1864. 

Middle and Back Roads, or Middletown, Va., Novem- 
ber 12, 1864. 

Lacey's Springs, Va., December 21, 1864. 

Waynesboro, Va., March 2, 1865. 

Five Forks, Va., April 1, 1865. 

Scotts Corners, Va., April 2, 18(55. 

Namozine Creek, Va., April 3, 1865. 

167 



IN AFFECTIONATE MEMORY OF 



Namozine Church, or Winticomack Creek, Va., April 3, 

1865. 
Appomattox Station, Va., April 3, 1865. 
Appomattox Court House, Va., April 9, 1865. 

STATISTICAL 

Killed, died of disease or wounds, wounded, pris- 
oners, and missing from each company, and the regi- 
mental Field and Staff will be found in the following 
list: 







M 














^ 














U r/l 














Tj a 










Company 


a 


0?: 


Q 
U 

a 
z 


01 

as 
iz 


z 


»J 






a ti 















So 


o 


as 


s 


s 

H 


A 


3 
4 


26 

28 


33 

28 


78 
65 


2 
6 


142 


B 


131 


C 


5 


28 


40 


64 


1 


138 


D 


4 


36 


26 


67 





133 


E 


9 


23 


28 


46 


2 


108 


F 


3 


31 


24 


35 


1 


94 


G 





34 


25 


94 





153 


H 


10 


23 


32 


56 


2 


123 


I 


8 


24 


24 


61 





117 


K 


3 


24 


30 


47 





104 


L 


10 


19 


27 


43 





99 


M 


3 


18 


4 


38 





63 


FandS 


1 


3 


9 


10 





23 




63 


317 


330 


704 


14 


1,428 



Total enlistment, including officers, 2,304. 

Percentage of killed, died of disease or wounds, 
wounded, prisoners, and missing, nearly sixty-two. 

The last Vermont soldier killed in battle was Private 
George B. Dunn, of Company M, First Vermont Cav- 

168 



MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM WELLS 

airy, April 8, 1865, and the last wounded was Lieu- 
tenant ^Yillard Farrington, of Company L, of the 
same regiment, early in the evening of April 8, 1865. 

Colonel William F. Fox, in his work entitled "Regi- 
mental Losses in the American Civil War," mentions 
nine regiments which lost from one hundred and nine- 
teen to one hundred and seventy -four men each killed 
or mortally wounded in action. In this list the First 
Vermont Cavalry stands fifth. It is admitted that 
this regiment was second to none, however, in capture 
of guns, prisoners, and battle-flags. 

NAMES AND POST OFFICE ADDRESSES OF 

SURVIVORS OF THE FIRST VERMONT 

CAVALRY, OCTOBER 13, 1913 

Field and Staff 
colonels 
Charles H. Tompkins, Washington, D. C. 
Edward B. Sawyer, Hyde Park, Vt. 

LIEUTENANT-COLONEL 

John W. Bennett, Austin Station, Chicago, 111. 

MAJORS 

Robert Schofield, Kilburn City, Wis. 

A. J. Grover, 746 Maple Ave., Los Angeles, Cal. 

ADJUTANT 

Clarence D. Gates, Burlington, Vt. 

ASSISTANT SURGEONS 

P. O'Meara Edson, 36 Elm Hill Ave., Boston, Mass. 
Edward B. Nims, Springfield, Mass. 

169 



IN AFFECTIONATE MEMORY OF 

CHAPLAIN 

John E. Goodrich, BiirHngton, Vt. 

NON-COMMISSIONED StAFF 
QUARTERMASTER SERGEANTS 

Henry A. Curtis, Tacoma Park, Washington, D. C. 
Wilham C. Joyce, Northfield, Vt. 

HOSPITAL STEAVARD 

George W. Brush, Proctor, Vt. 

CHIEF BUGLER 

Laforest M. Smith, Hyde Park, Vt. 

Company A 

CAPTAINS 

Elhs B. Edwards, Yonkers, N. Y. 
Harris B. Mitchell, Maiden, Mass. 

LIEUTENANT 

Henry O. Wheeler, Burlington, Vt. 

SERGEANTS 

George A. Edwards, Richmond, Vt. 
Henry C. Smith, Burlington, Vt. 

CORPORALS 

Francis B. Macomber, Westford, Vt. 
Michael Quinlan, North Ferrisburg, Vt. 

SADDLER SERGEANT 

Andrew W. Taylor, Ord, Neb. 

WAGONER 

John Hogan, Parkersburg, W. Va 

170 



MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM WELLS 

BLACKSMITH 

Mark S. Moore, Granville, N. Y. 

PRIVATES 

Allen, Samuel J., Vergennes, Vt. 

Blinn, Charles H., Custom House, San Francisco, Cal. 

Carroll, James, Jericho, Vt. 

Farnsworth, Silas A., Moretown, Vt. 

Fay, Irving E., National Soldiers' Home, Kennebec 

County, Me 
Greene, Lester C, Crowley, La. 
Grow, Jerome H., Bethel, Vt. 
Hall, Alexander, Shelburne, Vt. 
Hood, Albert, W^oodsville, N. H. 
McKenna, Bernard, Montpelier, Vt. 
Rouban, James, East Orange, R. F. D. Washington, Vt. 
Ryan, Thomas G., Cambridge, Vt. 
Shanahan, John, Proctor, Vt. 
Shannon, James, Albia, Iowa. 
Sprague, Sylvester, Newaygo, Mich. 
Stone, Henry H., Elizabethtown, N. Y. 
Stowe, W'illard S., Glenwood, Iowa 
Taft, Levi A., Huntington, Vt. 
Taft, Milo S., Huntington Center, Vt. 
Tart, Abel, Whallonsburg, N. Y. 
Upham, John, Walling-ford, Conn. 
W^eber, George, 9L5 Avenue C, San Antonio, Tex. 
W' hippie, Edward J., Ashland, Neb. 

Company B 

CAPTAIN 

William M. Beeman, Hartford, Conn. 

171 



IN AFFECTIONATE MEMORY OF 

LIEUTENANTS 

Anson L. Chandler, Bradford, Vt. 

Charles B. Stone, Avon, Colo. 

Eri D. Woodbury, Cheshire, Conn. 

SERGEANTS 

Antoine Fortuna, Rodney, Iowa. 

Samuel Ufford, Lewiston, Minn,, R. D. 2. 

QUARTERMASTER SERGEANTS 

William C. Humphrey, 30 West Third St., Saint Paul, 

Minn. 
John W. Erwin, Derby Center, R. F. D. Derby Line, Vt. 

CORPORALS 

Warren W. Conger, Rutland, Vt. 
Orris P. Knight, North Hero, Vt. 
Eugene B. Soule, Ripon, Wis. 

WAGONER 

James A. Davis, Starksboro, Vt. 

SADDLER 

Deforest Shattack, Hatfield, Mass. 

PRIVATES 

Austin, Julius R., North Creek, N. Y. 
Ballard, James N., Hyde Park, Vt. 
Barrows, Alphonzo, Burlington, Vt. 
Bates, George L., Manchester, N. H. 
Benjamin, Joseph S. M., Plainfield, Vt. 
Bonner, L. H., Pasadena, C^al. 
Bowen, William B., Bozeman, Mont. 
Brigham, Antipas, Hudson, N. Y. 

172 



MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM WELLS 

Brown, John, East Richford, Vt. 

Carter, Allen H., Groton, Vt. 

Cavanaugh, James. National Soldiers' Home, Kennebec 

County, Me. 
Corse, Malcom L., Fort Worth, Tex. 
Cota, Charles H., Saint Albans, Vt. 
Currier, George W ., Waterville, Vt. 
Daniels, Noble A., Telluride, Colo. 
Dean, Calvin, West Berkshire, Vt. 
Domina, Darius, Montgomery, Vt. 
Henry, W^illiam P., 16 Winslow Road, Brookline, Mass. 
Hickok, Charles H., Wakefield, Mass. 
Hull, George J., Franklin, Vt. 
Hutchinson, Peter P., Morrisville, Vt. 
Kinney, Francis B., Milton, Vt. 
Loveland, Nathan, South Hadley Falls, Mass. 
Pratt, Jerome J., 46 Dix St., Boston, Mass. 
Putnam, Emerson, Northfield, Mass. 
Scott, P. M., Appleton, Minn. 
Sharrow, George W., Sheldon, Vt., R. D. 1. 
St. Germain, Marshall, Saint Albans, Vt. 
Stetson, Horace B., North Troy, Vt. 
Touchett, Francis, Montgomery Center, Vt. 
Wilson, Merritt, Cambridge, Vt. 

Company C 

CAPTAIN 

Mason A. Stone, 82 Beacon St., New York City. 

LIEUTENANTS 

Barney Decker, Danby, Vt. 
Perley C. J. Cheney, Dover, N. H. 

173 



IN AFFECTIONATE MEMORY OF 

SERGEANTS 

Thomas S. May, Athens, Pa. 
Marcus M. Rice, Samt Albans, Vt. 
Lester K. Stiles, East Westmoreland, N. H. 
Chester L. Dwyer, Wood Lake, Neb. 
Harvey S. Dow, Lower Cabot, Vt. 

QUARTERMASTER SERGEANT 

Samuel C. Vorce, Randolph Center, Vt. 

CORPORALS 

Orange A. Baldwin, Hinesburg, Vt. 
Horace Burnham, East Calais, Vt. 
Francis H. Ketchum, Randolph, Vt. 
Albert George, Hardwick, Vt. 

PRIVATES 

Allen, Chauncey M., Woonsocket, S. D. 

Bailey, Walter, National Soldiers' Home, Kennebec 

County, Me. 
Bannister, Foster L., South Weymouth, Mass. 
Barrows, Martin, Middlebury, Vt. 
Blancherd, Timothy, Williamstown, Vt. 
Brunelle, Toussant, Canaan, Vt. 
Carrigan, Thomas, 118 West St., Worcester, Mass. 
Clark, Leonard G., 526 Jervis St., Toledo, Ohio. 
Clough, Franklin H., Wilmot, N. H. 
Coburn, Benjamin F., Montpelier, Vt. 
Coburn, David, Lyme, N. H. 
Edson, Henry L., Brookfield, Vt. 
Gordon, John W., Montpelier, Vt. 
Hammond, Orange S., Nevada, Iowa. 
Hastings, Flavel J., Middlesex, Vt. 

174 



MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM WELLS 

Ingram, John, Granby, P. Q. 
Kent, Sanford H., Northfield, Vt. 
Kneeland, Seymonr L., Tewksbury, Mass. 
Lewis, Frederick A., Northfiekl, Vt. 
McAllister, Ziba H., Waitsfield, Vt. 
Northrop, Albert A., Barre, Vt. 
Palmer, John W., Waitsfield, Vt. 
Savery, George W., Williamstown, Vt. 
Stevens, Daniel W., East Hardwick, Vt. 
Vincent, Noah W., Mound City, Kan. 
Wheeler, John A., Irasbnrg, Vt. 

Company D 
lieutenant 
Stephen A. Clark, Willow Lake, S. D. 

SERGEANTS 

Martin V. B. Sargent, Danville, Vt. 
Daniel C. Walker, Jeffersonville, Vt. 
James Wright, Sidney, Iowa. 

QUARTERMASTER SERGEANT 

John C. Gracey, Peacham, Vt. 

CORPORALS 

Benjamin F. Clifford, Danville, Vt. 

Carlos Kingsbury, West Washington, R. F.D. Barre, Vt, 

BLACKSMITH 

Enoch Aiken, Keene, N. H. 

PRIVATES 

Austin, George A., Piermont, N. H. 
Benoit, Frederick, 906 Harrison St., Chicago, 111. 
Brown, Lorenzo, Lunenburg, Vt. 
Buck, William N., 201 Essex St., Salem, Mass. 

175 



IN AFFECTIONATE MEMORY OF 

Burnham, Frank E., Littleton, N. H. 

Cilley, Edwin J., Hanover, N. H. 

Clifford, Commodore W., Warren, N. H. 

Curtis, Antipas H., Care of Geo. B. Day, P. O. Box 52, 

Berlin, N. H. 
Duraw, Jerry, Stonington, Conn. 
Hall, Oliver C, Saint Johnsbury, Vt. 
Hartson, Abel, Danville, Vt. 
Higgins, Samuel L., Manchester, N. H. 
Hutton, Abia, Westville, N. H. 
Kennison, A. H., Camden, N. Y. 
Leet, Charles, Delphi Falls, N. Y. 
Leet, Henry, Topsham, Vt. 
Long, Clark L., Rutland, Vt. 
Marckres, Harvey A., San Jose, Cal. 
Moore, Henry A., Barnet, Vt. 
Morse, John F., East Peacham, Vt. 
Palmer, Nathan P., Thompsonville, Conn. 
Roundy, William R., West Burke, Vt. 
Sargent, Harrison E., Berwick, Me. 
Stacy, Curtis L., Concord, Vt. 
Stevens, Z. T., Bethany, Mo. 
Waldo, Darwin E., Cabot, Vt. 
Wheaton, William M., Ottumwa, Iowa. 
Wheeler, Mark M., East Peacham, Vt. 
Wiggins, Frederick C, 209 Vaughan St., Portland, Me. 
Woodward, William, Groveton, N. H. 
Worthing, George B., Ayers Cliff, Canada, P. Q. 

Company E 

lieutenant 

Richard A. Seaver, Hartford, Vt. 

176 



MAJOR-CiENERAL WILLIAM WELLS 

SERGEANTS 

Albert W. Allen, 24 Oak Ave., Leominster, Mass. 
Charles Wheeler, Springfield, Vt. 
John M. Buckley, Chicopee, Mass. 

COMMISSARY SERGEANT 

Eugene H. Abels, 520 Ellicott Square, Buffalo, N. Y. 

CORPORALS 

Valton C. Bailey, Marlow, N. II. 

yi. Lafayette Perham, Springfield, Vt. 

Oscar M. Parkhurst, Springfield, Vt. 

BLACKSMITHS 

David B. Daniels, Kansas City, Mo. 

William Stafford, 1253 Fifth Ave., Watervliet, N. Y. 

PRIVATES 

Aikens, George C, Everett, Mass. 

Blake, E. B., Greenfield, Mass. 

Bride, Henry A., Pulaski, 111. 

Bridge, George E., Felchville, Vt. 

Bromley, Erwin E., Dodge Center, Minn. 

Brush, Solomon H., Stowe, Vt. 

Bryant, Carlos, Hammondsville, K. F. D. Felchville, Vt. 

Carter, Constant, (address unknown.) 

Clapp, Albert S., Springfield, Neb. 

Crowell, Alexander, East Barnard, R. F. D. South 

Royalton, Vt. 
Fassett, Dean B., Randolph, Vt. 
Finney, Mitchell J., Hinesburg, Vt. 
Gould, Amos, Perkinsville, Vt. 
Haskins, Marcus, Jericho Center, Vt. 
Kendall, x\lbert A., Enosburg Falls, Vt. 

177 



IN AFFECTIONATE MEMORY OF 

Labell, Peter, Barre, Vt. 

Lafonde, Thomas, La Baie, Canada, P. Q. 

Lee, Alonzo N., Bellows Falls, Vt. 

Lyon, Josiah T., Omaha, Neb. 

May, Edgar, Norwood, Mass. 

Messer, Allen P., Claremont, N. H. 

Partridge, Monroe, Wessington, S. D. 

Pendergast, Michael W., West Concord, Minn. 

Perry, Edward A., South Woodstock, Vt. 

Potter, Charles H., Bridgewater Vt. 

Priest, Samuel, Barton, Vt. 

Royes, B., 3372 Indiana Ave., Chicago, 111. 

Scott, Marcus D., Beecher Falls, Vt. 

Sleeper, Charles T., West Groton, Mass. 

Sleeper, James M., South Woodstock, Vt. 

Snow, Sylvester M., West Hartford, Vt. 

Stevens, John W., Lancaster, N. H. 

Stone, Edmund, Beverly, Mass. 

Taylor, Edwin S., Brownsville, Vt. 

Thompson, Charles H., Felchville, Vt. 

Willard, John H., Ludlow, Vt. 

Wood, Charles H., Hanover, N. H. 

Young, Hosea B., White River Junction, Vt. 

Company F 
lieutenant 
Henry C. Streeter, Brattleboro, Vt. 

SERGEANTS 

John A. Eddy, Dalton, Mass. 
John M. Nash, Saint Albans, Vt. 

178 



MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM WELLS 

QUARTERMASTER SERGEANT 

John A. Thwing, Bellows Falls, Vt. 

COMMISSARY SERGEANTS 

Charles R. Farr, Northampton, Mass. 

James H. Woodburn, Wessington Springs, S. D. 

PRIVATES 

Adams, Newall II., Traer, Iowa. 

Bancroft, Fernando, Sparta, Wis. 

Brink, Darwin A., Brandon, Vt. 

Dickenson, Nathaniel P., Shelton, Neb. 

Farr, Ransom C, West Chesterfield, N. H. 

Field, George W., Proctor, Vt. 

Fisher, W^illiam H., Brattleboro, Vt. 

Gilles, Simeon J., Marysville, Kan. 

Greene, W^illiam F., Dighton, Kan. 

Jillson, John S., Brattleboro, Vt. 

Lamphere, George A., Vienna, Va. 

Miner, Charles, Brandon, Vt. 

Peck, Theodore S., Burlington, Vt. 

Sherman, Nathan A., York, Neb. 

Simpson, Edwin E., Saint Johnsbury Center, Vt. 

Tuttle, Norman E., East Walling-ford, Vt. 

Wallin, Harrison, Halifax, Vt. 

Warner, Myron C, Proctor, Vt. 

Woodward, Elavil, Greenfield, Mass. 

Company G 
lieutenant 

James Barrett, North Clarendon, Vt. 

179 



IN AFFECTIONATE MEMORY OF 

COMMISSARY SERGEANT 

Hiram W. Waters, Castleton, Vt. 

MUSICIAN 

Horatio N. Leach, Los Angeles, Cal. 

WAGONER 

Hiram S. Hall, North Bennington, Vt. 

PRIVATES 

Bailey, Henry M., Glens Falls, N. Y. 
Bartlett, Charles A., La Crosse, Wis. 
Barton, Charles, Bennington, Vt. 
Belford, John, Acona, R. F. D. Lexington, Miss. 
Benson, Homer, Coldwater, Mich. 
Burroughs, Thomas, Alexandria, Va. 
Dayer, Fayette, Pasadena, Cal. 

Demore, Medor, 97 Knox Ave., Minneapolis, Minn. 
Eddy, Daniel W., Hoosick Falls, N. Y. 
Fitzgerald, Philip H., Pawpaw, 111. 
Gault, Jerome, Arlington, Vt. 
Graves, Noble W., New Britain, Conn. 
Harrington, William, Bennington, Vt. 
Harrington, W. J., Salisbury, Vt. 
Hill, John H., Pownal, Vt. 
Hosley, Thomas C, Arlington, Vt. 
Howe, Theron, Wells, Vt. 
Kearce, Mort, Niles, Kan. 
Kent, Rollin D., Manchester Depot, Vt. 
Kilbourne, A. J., Manchester Center, Vt. 
Marsh, Edward A,, Leominster, Mass. 
Saunders, James, Sunderland, R. F. D. Arlington, 
Vt. 

180 



MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM WELLS 

Sculley, Barnet, Natioiiiil Soldiers' Home, Kennebec 

County, Me. 
Stone, Richard, Danby, Vt. 
Towsley, Nathaniel, Manchester, Vt. 
Webb, Arnold, Sunderland, R. F. D. Arlington, Vt. 
West, C. H., Anaconda, Mont. 
Wheeler, L. D., Bell Center, Wis. 
Wilson, Alonzo R., Mollis, N. H. 
Wyman, Myron G., Saint Paul, Minn. 

Company H 
captains 
Frank T. Huntoon, 16 West 25th St., New York. 
Emmett Mather, 11 Grimshaw St., Chicago, 111. 

SERGEANTS 

Royal E. Bostwick, South Londonderry, Vt. 
Samuel Dowling, Rutland, Vt. 

CORPORALS 

Alonzo E. Doty, Belmont, Vt. 

Sewell S. Whit'comb, West Randolph, R. F. D. Ran- 
dolph, Vt. 
Stephen Corey, Hampton, Va. 

BUGLER 

Charles C. Leland, 617 East Nineteenth St., Minne- 
apolis, Minn. 

BLACKSMITH 

Patrick Callighan, West Rutland, Vt. 

PRIVATES 

Bailey, William H., North Wolcott, Vt. 
Bean, William M., South Wheelock, R. F. D. Lyndon- 
ville, Vt. 

181 



IN AFFECTIONATE MEMORY OF 

Bishop, Orlando S., Rutland, Vt. 

Bovia, John, Sleepy Eye, Minn. 

Brockney, Joseph, Burlington, Vt. 

Bugbee, Daniel W., Bellows Falls, Vt. 

Butler, John, Raceville, N. Y. 

Buxton, Stephen L., Lyons, Iowa. 

Churchill, Charles H., Brandon, Vt. 

Churchill, Edwin R., North Platte, Neb. 

Currier, George A., Colebrook, N. H. 

Davis, Don C, Harrison ville. Mo. 

Dupuy, John A., Derby, Conn. 

Dyer, Frank, Ware, Mass. 

Earle, Henry J., Brockton, Mass. 

Flynn, William, Alton, 111. 

Fuller, Myron C, Bloomfield, Vt. 

Greenough, David, Pittsford, Vt. 

Guertin, Joseph, Wallingford, Vt. 

Jones, William, Pittsford, Vt, 

Ladderbush, Frank, Pittsford, Vt. 

Locklin, Ralph, Marion, Kan. 

Menard, Renay, Southington, Conn. 

Pearsons, Collamer, Poultney, Vt. 

Price, Isaac, Tyro, Kan. 

Ranney, Edson H., West Concord, R.F.D. Concord, Vt. 

Robie, F. C, Coos, N. H., R. F. D. 2. 

Stoddard, Edgar, Colebrook, N. H. 

Wellman, Austin B., Wallingford, Vt. 

Wheeler, CuUen, Castleton, Vt. 

Company I 

CAPTAIN 

Josiah Grout, Derby Center, R. F. D. Derby Line, Vt. 

182 



MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM WELLS 

LIEUTENANT 

James T. Stevens, Hyde Park, Vt. 

QUARTERMASTER SERGEANTS 

Aaron M. Crane, 5 Durham St., Boston, Mass. 

CORPORALS 

Albert E. Cowles, North Craftsbury, Vt. 
Mark Warner, East Hardwick, Vt. 

SADDLER 

WilHam Sparrow, Springfield, Vt. 

BLACKSMITH 

Samuel H. Kaiser, Stowe, Vt. 

PRIVATES 

Bickford, George D., Sheffield, Vt. 
Boden, Edward, Duarte, Cal. 

Brooks, Reuben E., East Albany, R. F. D. Irasburg, Vt. 
Bundy, George G., Morrisville, Vt. 
Clark, S. B., Templet on, Mass. 
Drew, Ira S., Irasburg, Vt. 
Durkee, Royal E., Orange, Mass. 
Enos, Joseph, Franklin, N. H. 
Ferry, Francis E., South Sutton, N. H. 
Flanders, Joseph T., Springfield, W^is. 
Gauthier, Joseph, Toledo, Ohio. 
Gibson, Thomas R., Plainfield, Vt. 
Greaves, James, Rutland, Vt. 
Hall, William H., Portage, King Co., Wash. 
Jackson, G. W., Waterville, Conn. 
Malony, William J., North Troy, Vt. 
Martin, Julius H., 1214 Magnolia Ave., Los Angeles, 
Cal. 

183 



IN AFFECTIONATE MEMORY OF 

Martin, Russell C, 4*23 College St., Los Angeles, Cal. 

Maxfield, John B., New Hampton, Iowa. 

Needham, Edward C, Norwich, Vt. 

Norris, Richard C, Boon, Mich. 

Page, Austin A., Irasburg, Vt. 

Pettingill, Harry B., Beecher Falls, Vt. 

Skinner, George E., Nyssa, Ore. 

Spofford, George S., East Atlanta, Ga. 

Taylor, A. W., Saint Edward, Neb. 

Tice, Robert S., Coventry, Vt. 

Washburn, Edward A., Crown Point, N. Y. 

Waterman, Alonzo E., 124 Tazwell St., Norfolk, Va. 

Webber, Philip, Newbury Center, R.F.D. Newbury, Vt. 

Weber, George, Groton, Vt. 

Wheelock, Elisha B., Plymouth, N. H. 

Whitcher, O. C, Albany, Vt. 

Whitney, Abija F., Morrisville, Vt. 

Woodbury, Henry, Box 20'2, Keene, N. H. 

Company K 

CAPTAIN 

Edwin H. Higbee, Groton, Mass. 

SERGEANTS 

John Goodrow, Ripton, Vt. 
Horace Lapham, Shoreham, Vt. 

CORPORALS 

Frank Goodrow, Brattleboro, Vt. 

James Bodoin, Cornwall, R. F. D. Middlebury, Vt. 

PRIVATES 

Chilson, Eugene, 2313 Portland Ave., Minneapolis, 
Minn. 

184 



MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM WELLS 

Conant, William J., Pantoii, R. F. D. Vergennes, 

Vt. 
Craig, Myron, Stanbridge East, P. Q. 
Fales, Myron L., Middlebury, Vt. 
Ganlett, Lewis, Middlebnrj^ Vt. 
Gibbs, Henry G., Lisbon, Iowa. 
Guyette, Frank, Stony Point, N. Y. 
Hatch, Isaac F., Burlington, Vt. 
Heitmann, Hermann H., Orwell, Vt. 
Jackson, John W., Port Henry, N. Y. 
Jones, Edwin E., Middlebury, Vt. 
La Vake, Lewis, Montour, Iowa. 
Lewis, David H., 1714 Grand Ave., Knoxville, Tenn. 
McSorley, John, ]Malone, N. Y. 
Mayhew, Alfred, Bennington, Vt., R. D. 1. 
Mayhew. Frank, West Cornwall, R. F. D. Middlel)ury, 

Vt. 
Pecu, William, Ferrisburg, Vt. 
Rock, George H., New Bedford, Mass. 
Young, Francis, Morrisville, Vt. 
Youtt, Charles E., Middlebury, Vt. 

Company L 

sekceants 

George L. McBride, Burlington, Vt. 
Seymour H. Wood, Saint Albans, Vt. 
Truman B. Webster, Shelburne, Vt. 
Charles 11. :\IcCarroll, Saint Albans, Vt. 
William A. Clapp, Denver, Colo. 

CO^OIISSARY SERGEANT 

Samuel S. Watson, Muskegon, ^lich. 

185 



IN AFFECTIONATE MEMORY OF 

CORPORALS 

Charles C. Bennett, Bridgewater, Mass. 

Clarence H. Cornell, 113 West Twelfth St., New York 

City. 
Charles Marchessault, 3118 Russell Ave., Mmne- 

apolis, Minn. 
Andrew A. Smith, in Regular Army, U. S. 
Josiah A. Fobes, Beloit, Kan. 
Isaac Ryan, Stevens Mills, Vt. 

BUGLER 

Gilbert Buckman, Sacramento, Cal. 

PRIVATES 

Avery, Seymour, Enosburg Falls, Vt. 
Blinn, William F., Penacook, N. H. 
Burlett, Abram, Brooklyn, N. Y. 
Carr, Hezakiah B., Underhill, Vt. 
Clark, William A., Haverhill, Mass, 
Cleveland, William H., Hoyt, Okla. 
Cornell, Charles, North Chelmsford, Mass. 
Cox, Albert F., Providence, R. I. 
Erwin, Charles L., Newport Center, Vt. 
Fobes, Aaron E., Underhill, Vt. 
Gingham, Enos, Hartland, Vt. 
Greene, Sidney T., Schenectady, N. Y., R. D. 1. 
Hand, John, East Fairfield, Vt. 
Irish, Calvin H., Northfield, Mass. 
Irish, Horace N., Home, Bennington, Vt. 
Munsell, William H., Wells River, Vt. 
O'Claire, Peter, Bennington, Vt. 
Perkins, Ahira H., Manchester, N. H. 
Pratt, Henry W., East Berkshire, Vt. 

186 



]VL\JOR-GENERAL WILLIAM WELLS 

Rand, George B., Burlington, Vt. 
Rawley, Edward, Adams, Mass. 
Stoughton, Augustus C, Burlington, Vt. 
White, Joseph, Sheldon, Vt. 
Wolcott, Edgar J., Essex Junction, Vt. 

Company M 
sergeants 
John Kinnehan, Saint James Hotel, San Antonio, Tex. 
John Aldrich, Island Pond, Vt. 

BUGLER 

Azro F. Hackett, Proctor, Vt. 

PRIVATES 

Carleton, Charles, 1011 Walnut St., Chicago, 111. 

Consigney, John F., Audubon, Iowa. 

Deso, Alvah, Swanton, Vt. 

Farrington, George M., Burlington, Vt. 

Fullington, Birney S., Johnson, Vt. 

Jackson, Hiram F., Westford, Vt. 

Jordan, Francis, Saint Jerome, P. Q. 

Landor, Peter, Burlington, Vt. 

Leavitt, Edwin B., 141 Elm St., Biddeford, Me. 

Parker, Myron M., 1418 F St., N. W., Washington, 
D. C. 

St. Michael, Charles, 710 North Twenty-fourth St., 
Richmond, Va. 

Sargent, Martin, Randolph, Vt. 

Williams, Theodore J., Randolph, Vt. 

Woods, Horace S., Ontario, Cal. 

Wright, Allen, Office of Paymaster General, War De- 
partment, Washington, D. C. 

187 



WILLIAM WELLS 

BRIGADIER AND BREVET MAJOR-GENERAL 

UNITED STATES VOLUNTEERS 

1837-1892 




"'^/tu-oi^c.^-c^ y^L.^-^.^^^ 



WILLIAM WELLS was bom in Waterbury, 
Vermont, December 14, 1837. He was of 
a good Englisli family, being the seventh 
in direct descent from Hugh Wells. 

Hugh Wells was born, about 1590, in the county of 
Essex, England. He was married in 1619, and emi- 
grated to America in 1G35. He remained in Boston 
for a time, and subsequently aided in founding a 
colony in Hartford, Connecticut. He died in Wethers- 
field, Connecticut, in 1045. 

Thomas Wells, the first child of Hugh Wells, was 
born in Colchester, England, in 16*20, and was taken 
with his parents, in 1635, to America. In 1651 he 
married Mary Beardsley, of W'ethersfield, Connecticut, 
daughter of William Beardsley, of England. In 1659 
he went to Hadley, and lived there imtil his death, in 
1676. 

Ebenezer Wells, eleventh child of Thomas Wells, 
was born at Hadley, Massachusetts, July 4, 1668, and 
died at Hatfield, Massachusetts. His second child. 
Dr. Thomas Wells, was born at Greenfield, Massachu- 
setts, September '25, 1693, and died at Deerfield, INIas- 
sachusetts, March 7, 1745. The third child of Dr. 
Wells, Joseph Wells, born in Deerfield, Massachusetts, 
October 8, 1731, died at Greenfield, December 2^2, 1804. 
The fifth child of Joseph, Roswell Wells, was born in 
Greenfield, Massachusetts, September 9, 1769, and in 
1805 moved to Waterbury, where he died July 26, 1826, 
aged fifty-seven years. His wife was Pamelia White, a 

192 



IVIAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM WELLS 

descendant of Peregrine White, the first white child 
of civiHzed parentage born in New England. Of this 
marriage were born two children, William Wellington 
and Roswell W^ells. 

The Honorable William Wellington Wells was born 
in Waterbury, October "28, 1805, and died at the same 
place April 9, 18(19. He was a man of liberal educa- 
tion, excellent business qualifications, and sterling char- 
acter. He was graduated from the LTniversity of Ver- 
mont in 18'-24, and studied law in the office of Charles 
Adams, Esq., in Burlington. He was admitted to 
practice at the Chittenden County Bar, but before he 
began the practice of his profession (for which he was 
thought to be particularly well suited both by nature 
and education), owing to the death of his father, he 
was obliged to return to Waterbury and administer 
the estate of the deceased. He soon became so much 
interested in business pursuits that he abandoned the 
idea of a professional life and identified himself with 
the interests of both his family and his town, and was 
nimibered among the most successful men of afi'airs 
in the State. 

Mr. Wells represented Waterbury in the Legislature 
in 1840, 18()3, and 18G4, where he took an active part 
in legislative matters. He was a member of the 
Eleventh Council of Censors in 1855, and town treas- 
urer and selectman several years. 

He was deeply interested in the welfare of his coun- 
try, and when the Rebellion broke out, and during its 
continuance, he gave himself almost entirely to his 
country's service with an enthusiasm and hopefulness 
that was an inspiration to all around him. As chair- 

193 




HONOKABLE WiLLIAM WELLINGTON WeLLS 

Father of General Wells 




Mrs. Eliza Carpenter Wells 
Mother of General Wells 




Seven Sons and Daucihter hf Mr. and ]\I rs. Wili.iwi Wellington Wells, 1872 

Curtis Wells, Edward Wells, W^illiam Wells, Henry W^ells 

Roswell White Wells. Charles Wells, Sarah Carpenter Wells Brock, Frederick Howard Wells 




Four Generations of the Wells Family 
Mrs. Curtis Wells and Son Karl C. Mrs. William Wellington Wells 

Mrs. Dan Carpenter Mr. Curtis Wells 




Wills I'kmii.y 1{eunion, 1S7("> 




Wells F'amily Reunion, IsTO 




Wells Family Reunion, 1876 




Wells Homestead, Wateubukv, Vlhmum 



MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM WELLS 

man of the board of selectmen during the greater 
part, if not the whole, of the war, he was the strongest 
among the strong. There was no call for soldiers that 
was not promptly filled.* He fully believed that it was 
for the town's best interest to "pay as it went," so that 
Waterbury was subsequently free from debt at the 
close of the war. 

Mr. Wells lived in the faith that work was honorable, 
and his whole life conformed to his faith ; his boys, too, 
having been reared in this faith, have cheerfully and 
faithfully followed him in faith and practice. 

Mr. Wells was married to Miss Eliza Carpenter, 
second daughter of Judge Dan Carpenter, January 13, 
1831. This choice of a wife was a most fortunate one 
for him, as his subsequent life demonstrated. They 
buried two children in infancy, but reared seven sons 
and one daughter. Roswell White W'ells was born 
November 14, 1833, died February 4, 1883. Edward 
WVlls, born October 30, 1835, died February 19, 1907. 
W^illiam AVells, born December 14, 1837, died April 29, 
1892. Curtis W'ells, born February 1, 1840, died 
March 16, 1898. Charles W^ells, born June '2'-2, 1845. 
Sarah Carpenter Wells, born June 22, 1845. Henry 
Wells, born February 15, 1848, died January 7, 1911. 
Frederick Howard, born September 27, 1851. Mrs. 
Wells survived her husband four years and died August 
5, 1873. 

Four of the sons, Edward, William, Curtis, and 
Charles, served in the Union Army. 

William Wells began his education in the common 



♦Mr. Wells joined a company in Randolph in the fall of 1862 and drilled 
for two weeks, but was not accepted on account of eyesight and over-age. 

199 



IN AFFECTIONATE MEMORY OF 

schools of his native town, and mastered the higher 
branches in Barre, Vermont Academy, and Kimball 
Union Academy, Meriden, New Hampshire. While in 
Barre he performed a remarkable piece of work, using 
an odometer in surveying for a county map of Cale- 
donia County, a task which occupied him for two 
months in his seventeenth year. From the age of 
nineteen until the spring of 1861 he was his father's 
assistant in his extensive business. After the out- 
break of the Rebellion he, with three of his brothers, 
became a soldier of the army of the Union. 

September 9, 1801, at the age of twenty-three, he 
enlisted as a private soldier, and as- 
sisted in raising Company C, First 
Regiment, Vermont Cavalry; was sworn 
into the United States service October 
3, 18G1; was commissioned First Lieu- 
tenant October 14, 1861, and Captain 
November 18, 1861; mustered Novem- 
wiLLiAM \vell8 ber 19, 1861, with the Field and Staff 
of the First Regiment, Vermont Cav- 
alry, to serve for three years. He was commissioned 
Major December 30, 186'2 and was mustered the same 
date. Through the recommendation of all the officers 
of his regiment he was commissioned (^olonel June 4, 

1864, and mustered July 2, 1864. He was appointed 
Brevet Brigadier-General of Volunteers February 22, 

1865, and Brevet Major-General, "for gallant and 
meritorious service," March 13, 1865. In recognition 
of his brilliant services, and upon the recommenda- 
tions of General Sheridan and General Custer, he was 
commissioned Brigadier-General May 19, 1865, having 

200 




MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM WELLS 

received more promotions than any other Vermont 
officer dnring the war. 

He was placed in connnand of the Seventh Regiment, 
Michigan Cavahy, March 2, 1864, by order of General 
Judson Kilpatrick, while near Richmond, Virginia, on 
what is known as Xilpatrick's Raid, and continued in 
command of the regiment for several weeks. He was 
in command of his regiment from June 4, 1864, as 
Major on Wilson's raid south of Richmond. He was 
in command of this regiment from date of muster as 
Colonel until September 19, 1864, at which date he 
assumed connnand of the Second Brigade, Third Divi- 
sion Cavalry Corps, Army of the Potomac. He com- 
manded this brigade at the surrender of the Army of 
Northern Virginia, at Appomattox, Virginia, April 9, 
1865, and until May 22, 1865, when he assumed com- 
mand of the Third Cavalry Division. From September 
19, 1864, to April 9, 1865, he was several times in 
connnand of the Third Cavalry Division. The de- 
parture of Sheridan and Custer for Texas left him as 
the ranking officer of the cavalry corps, which he com- 
manded from June 1 to June 24, 1865. He was the 
last commander of General Sheridan's Corps. He was 
in command of the First Separate Brigade, Twenty- 
second Army Corps, from June 24, 1865, to July 24, 

1865. He was mustered out of the service January 15, 

1866, by General Order 1(58, War Department, Wash- 
ington, D. C, dated December 28, 1865. 

He distinguished himself repeatedly in action. He 
was in the thickest of the fight at Orange Court House, 
Virginia, August 2, 1862, and connnanded the Second 
Battalion, First Vermont Cavalry, in the repulse of 

201 



MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM WELLS 

Stuart's Cavalry at Hanover, Pennsylvania, June 30, 
1863. In the famous and desperate cavalry charge 
on Round Top, Gettysburg, July 3, 1863, he com- 
manded the leading battalion, rode by the side of 
General Farnsworth, the brigade commander, and, al- 
most by miracle, came out unharmed, while his com- 
mander fell in the midst of the enemy's infantry. This 
charge penetrated the enemy's lines for about three 
quarters of a mile. A few days later, in the savage 
cavalry melee at Boonsboro, Maryland, he was wounded 
by a sabre cut. At Culpeper Court House, Virginia, 
September 13, 1863, he charged the enemy's artillery 
with his regiment and captured a gun, and was again 
wounded by a shell. He was a prisoner of war in 
Libby Prison, Richmond, Virginia, from March 17, 
1863, to about May 6, 1863. 

He commanded a battalion in Sheridan's Cavalry 
Corps at the battle of Yellow Tavern, Virginia, May 
11, 1864, in which General Stuart, the greatest Con- 
federate cavalry general, was killed. In the cavalry 
fight at Tom's Brook, Virginia, October 9, 1864, 
General Wells commanded a brigade of Custer's Di- 
vision; and at Cedar Creek, October 19, 1864, his 
brigade took a foremost part in turning the rout of 
the morning into a decisive victory at nightfall, cap- 
turing forty-five of the forty-eight pieces of artillery 
taken from Early's fleeing army, the First Vermont 
capturing twenty-three of these, the heaviest capture 
ever made by one regiment in the war. Major Wells 
served under Generals Kilpatrick, Sheridan, and Cus- 
ter, and was with Kilpatrick in his famous raid on 
Richmond, and with General Wilson in his daring- 
SOS 




William Wells. 1859 TArxAiN William Wells. NovemlK-r, 1801 

Brigadier-General William \\ kli.s. 1.S6,5 
Major William Wells. 1S62 Colonel William Wells, 1804 




^•T-^^fsw^rs**^ 




Brevet Majok-CIenekal William Wells, 1865 General William Wells, 1874 




Major Wells and Assistant Surgeon Edson, 1862 



MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM WELLS 

foray to the south of that city. At Appomattox, on 
the morning of the surrender of the Army of Northern 
Virginia, his brigade had started on its hxst charge 
and was stopped by General Custer in person. 

At the grand review of the x-Vrmy of tlie Potomac in 
Washington City, May 22, 18()5, he conniianded the 
Second Brigade of Custer's Division of the Cavahy 
Corps, which led the advance. A medal of honor was 
awarded General WVlls by Congress "for distinguished 
gallantry at the battle of Gettysburg, July 3, 18()3." 

During his services with the First Regiment Cavalry 
he took part in the following l)attles and skirmishes: 
]Middlet.own, Winchester, Luray Court House, Cul- 
peper Court House, Orange Court House, Kelley's 
Ford, W'aterloo Bridge, Bull Run, W^arrenton, Hanover, 
Hunterstown, Gettysburg, Monterey, Leitersville, Ha- 
gerstown, Boonsboro, Hagerstown, Falling Waters, Port 
Conway, Port Conway, Culpeper Court House, Somer- 
ville Ford, Raccoon Ford, James City, Brandy Sta- 
tion, Gainesville, Buckland Mills, Falmouth, Morton's 
Ford, Mechanicsville, Piping Tree, Craig's Meet- 
ing House, Spottsylvania, Yellow Tavern, Meadow 
Bridge, Hanover Court House, Ashland, Ilawe's Shop, 
Bottom Bridge, White Oak Swamp, Riddle's Shop, Mal- 
vern Hill, Ream's Station, Nottoway Court House, 
Roanoke Station, Stony Creek, Ream's Station, 
Winchester, Summit Point, Charlestown, W. Va., 
Kearneysville, and Opequan or W^inchester. 

As Brigade and Division (V)nHnander he participated 
in the following battles and skirmishes: Opequan, 
P'ront Royal, Gooney Manor Grade, Milford, Waynes- 
boro, Columbia Furnace, Toms Brook, Cedar (^reek, 

205 



MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM WELLS 

Cedar Creek, Middle Road, Middle and Back Road 
or Middletown, Lacey's Springs, Waynesboro, Five 
Forks, Scott's Corners, Namozine Creek, Winticomack, 
Appomattox Station and Appomattox Court House. 

His military career may be summarized by saying 
that he participated in seventy cavalry engagements, 
in eighteen of which he led a brigade or division, and 
his service in the field was continuous from the date 
of his muster-in until the close of the war. January 
15, 1866, he was honorably mustered out of the United 
States service, having been held in useful service for 
eight months after the war ended, a fine testimonial to 
his soldierly ability. The official record speaks for 
itself, and General Wells's military career throughout 
four years and a half in the War of the Rebellion evinces 
the highest personal qualities of a cavalry commander, 
combining coolness, promptness, and daring intrepidity 
with most thoughtful consideration for his men. 

General Wells was married, January 18, 1866, to 
Miss Arahanna Richardson, who was born July 20, 
1845, in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. To them were 
born two children, Frank Richardson and Bertha 
Richardson. Frank Richardson Wells was born, Feb- 
ruary 1, 1871, in Burlington, Vermont, and was mar- 
ried, in California, November 7, 1900, to Miss Jean 
Mary Hush, of Oakland, California. Bertha Richard- 
son Wells was born April "^S, 1873, and was mar- 
ried in Burlington, Vermont, July 6, 1899, to Dr. 
Horatio Nelson Jackson, of Burlington, Vermont. 
Mrs. Wells died suddenly in Burlington, Vermont, 
June 12, 1905. 

Soon after General W^ells's return to civil life he 

206 




Mh.s. William Wklls 
(Arahanna Richardson). 1850 

Mks. William Wells 
(Arahanna lUchardson), 1801 



Mrs. William Wklls 
(Arahanna Richardson), 1860 

Mrs. William Wells 
(Arahanna Richardson), 1SG2 



^mmmmmmKmmm 






Mrs. William Wells 
(Arahanna Richardson), 1899 

Mrs. William Wells 
(Arahanna Richardson), 1899 



Mrs. William Wells 
(Arahanna Richardson), 1862 

Mrs. William Wells 
(Arahanna Richardson), 1882 



MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM WELLS 

became a partner in a firm of wholesale druggists at 
A¥aterbury. In 1868 they transferred this business to 
Burlington, which was thereafter his residence. He 
represented the town of Waterbury in the Legislature 
of 1865-66, being chairman of the military committee 
and an influential legislator. In 1866 he was elected 
Adjutant-General of Vermont, and held the office 
until 187'-2, when he was appointed Collector of Cus- 
toms for the District of Vermont, a position which he 




Residence op General William Wells, 1.S77 

filled with efficiency and credit for thirteen years. The 
Burlington Free Press of that year, in speaking of his 
appointment as Collector of Customs, said: "For sev- 
eral years past General Wells has been a resident of 
this city, Burlington, and a member of the firm of 
Henry & Co., wholesale drug merchants. His personal 
standing is high, as a man of integrity, good sense, 
correct habits, and unblemished character, and his 

'209 



IN AFFECTIONATE MEMORY OF 

appointment will be generally accepted throughout 
the State as one eminently 'fit to be made.' " At the 
end of that time he resumed his active connection with 
the business house known the world over as the Wells 
& Richardson Company. 

In 1886 he was State Senator from the county of 
Chittenden. He was active in veteran soldiers' soci- 
ties, was one of the presidents of the Reunion Society 
of Vermont Officers, and president of the Society 
of the First Vermont Cavalry. He was one of 
the trustees, and first president of the Vermont Sol- 
diers' Home, and was a member of the Gettysburg 
Commission in 1889-90. He was the first commander 
of the Vermont Commandery of the Loyal Legion, 
and would have been re-elected had he lived until the 
coming annual meeting of the Commandery. He was 
a member of Stannard Post No. 2, G. A. R., Depart- 
ment of Vermont, and would have been made depart- 
ment commander had he been willing to accept the 
election. He was a member of the Vermont Society 
of Sons of the American Revolution. 

General Wells was identified with many important 
business enterprises in the city, being president of the 
Burlington Trust Company, president of the Burling- 
ton Gas-Light Company, president of the Burlington 
Board of Trade, director in the Burlington Cold Storage 
Company, director in the Rutland Railroad Company, 
and director in the Champlain Transportation Com- 
pany. He was a member and a vestryman of Saint 
Paul's Church, was one of the trustees of the Young 
Men's Christian Association of Burlington, and one of 
its liberal supporters. Few men touched the life of the 

210 



MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM WELLS 

community in which he hved in so many important 
capacities. 

His sudden death from angina pectoris, in New York 
City, April 29, 1892, removed,while in the prime of Hfe, 
a most genial, courteous, and kind-hearted man, a 
gallant soldier, and one of the most respected citizens 
of the Green Mountain State. He was buried in 
Lake View Cemetery, at Burlington, Vermont, where 
a large granite boulder marks his last resting place. 

General Sheridan, in speaking of General Wells, said, 
"He was my ideal of a cavalry officer." 




Medallion- 1'ohtk.mi oh MAJuu-OtiNtKAL William Wells in :Statl L'ai'Itol 

AT MONTPELIER, VERMONT, DEDICATED OcTOBER 5, 1910 



DEDICATION 

OF THE STATUE TO 

BREVET MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM WELLS 

AT BATTERY PARK, BURLINGTON, 

VERMONT 

MAY 30, 19U 




Statue ok Major-General William Wells at Battery Park, Burlington, Vermont, 
Dedicated May 30, 1914 



JOINT RESOLUTION RELATING TO :\IEDAL- 

LION PORTRAIT OF MAJOR-GENERAL 

WILLIAM WELLS 

Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives: 

That the governor be, and is hereby, authorized to 
prociu'e and place in the State capitol a bronze tablet 
with medallion portrait of Brigadier and Brevet Major- 
General W^illiam AVells, who enlisted from Waterbury, 
Vermont, as a private soldier in Company C, First 
Regiment Vermont Cavalry, September 9, 1861, and 
was sworn into the State service in said Company 
October 3, 18(31, at the age of twenty-three years; 
commissioned first lieutenant October 14, 1861; cap- 
tain, November 18, 1861; mustered into the United 
States service to serve for three years, or during the 
war, November 19, 1861; promoted major October 30, 
1862; colonel, June 4, 1864; appointed brevet brigadier- 
general of Volunteers February 2'2, 1865, and brevet 
major-general of Volunteers ^larch 30, 186.5, both for 
gallant and meritorious conduct in the field; appointed 
bridadier-general of Volunteers May 19, 1865. Mus- 
tered out of the LTnited States service January 15, 1866. 

(A detailed account of General Wells' service, cover- 
ing a period of almost four and a half years, may be 
found on page 749 of the "Revised Roster of Vermont 
^\)lunteers in the War of the Rebellion.") 

His command participated in seventy-six battles and 
skirmishes, in all of which he was present except when 
a prisoner of war or absent and wounded. 

General Wells distinguished himself on many occa- 
sions, but especially while leading his battalion in the 
heroic charge against Confederate infantry on Round 

217 



IN AFFECTIONATE MEMORY OF 

Top, Gettysburg, July 3, 1863, for which he received 
the Cougressional medal of honor. He also won dis- 
tinction in the charge of his brigade at Cedar Creek, 
Virginia, October 19, 1864, when they captured one 
hundred and sixty -one prisoners, including one general, 
one colonel, one lieutenant-colonel, three battle flags, 
twenty-three pieces of artillery, fourteen caissons, 
twenty -three wagons, one hundred and fifty-eight sets 
of harness, ninety -eight horses and sixty -eight mules, 
this being the largest capture on record of any regi- 
ment in the wjir for the Union. Finally, at Appomat- 
tox, Virginia, April 9, 1865, when his command was 
attacked by Lee's army shortly before his surrender 
he bore the brunt of the assault until the infantry 
formation was completed, and which resulted in the 
surrender of the army of Northern Virginia. 

No cavalry officer stood higher with General Sheri- 
dan or General Custer than did General Wells, who 
was a born cavalry leader with a wonderful war record, 
whose gallant, distinguished, and patriotic services re- 
flect lasting honor upon the State of Vermont. 

Resolved, That the State auditor is hereby directed 
to draw his order on the State treasurer in favor of the 
governor for any monies expended or recjuired to be 
expended in complying with the foregoing directions 
in respect of the tablet in question. 

Thomas C. Cheney, 
Speaker of the House of Representatives. 
John A. Mead, 
President of the Senate. 
Approved December 2, 1908. 
George H. Prouty, Governor. 

^18 



MAJOR-CiENERAL WILLIAM WELLS 

As Burlington was so long the home of General 
W^Us, it is but fitting that Battery Park, one of its 
most historic places, overlooking Lake Champlain and 
within a short distance of the Old Fair Grounds, which 
was the rendezvous of the First Vermont Cavalry and 
many other regiments from this State before leaving 
for the war, should be the site of a monument to his 
valor and that of the regiment he so nobly commanded, 
and in this memorial is signalized not only the true 
patriotism of those defenders of our flag, but an act of 
filial devotion on the part of the donor, Frank Richard- 
son Wells, the only son of General Wells, it being a 
gift from him to the city of Burlington in honor of his 
father and of the First Regiment Vermont Cavalry. 

The base of the monument is of Barre granite, eight 
feet square at the bottom and seven feet three inches 
in height. On the front is a bronze tablet giving the 
record of General W'clls, and on the reverse, facing in 
the direction of the Old Fair Ground, is the bas-relief, 
depicting the charge made at Gettysburg. Surmount- 
ing the whole is a bronze statue of General Wells, a 
reproduction of the one erected by the State upon the 
battlefield of Gettysburg, July 3, 1913. 

Under a cloudless sky, and amid a large gathering of 
friends, veterans, representative citizens, members of 
various patriotic organizations, the Second United 
States Cavalry, detachment of the Vermont National 
Guard, Students' Battalion of the University of Ver- 
mont, and the Boy Scouts, its unveiling and dedication 
to the city took place May 30, 1P14, the occasion being 
a noteworthy feature of Memorial Day. The exercises 
opened with the sounding of "assembly" by George D. 

219 



IN AFFECTIONATE MEMORY OF 

Sherman, of Company II, Ninth Vermont, followed by 
a formal salute to the dead by the veterans of Stannard 
Post and prayer by the Rev. John E. Goodrich, chap- 
lian of the First Vermont Cavalry. 

While the band played "The Star Spangled Banner" 
the statue was unveiled by Mrs. James W. Brock, 
sister, and Mrs. H. Nelson Jackson, daughter, of 
General Wells, assisted by his two surviving brothers, 
Mr. Charles Wells and Mr. Frederick H. Wells, and 
his son-in-law. Dr. II. Nelson Jackson, the members 
of the First Vermont Cavalry acting as escort. 

It was an impressive sight as the heroic bronze figiu'e 
was revealed, with the gray -haired veterans of the First 
Vermont Cavalry grouped around the base and the 
members of the W ells family and Dr. P. 0']\I. Edson, 
the assistant surgeon of the regiment, in the foreground, 
and the cheers that arose from the surrounding audience 
testified to their admiration and appreciation of both 
the beautiful and the patriotic, 

Mr. Wells then formally presented to Mayor James 
E. Biu'ke, as the city's representative, the deed trans- 
ferring the title of the monument to the people of 
Burlington, and said: 

"Mr. Commander, your honor the mayor, my father's 
comrades, and friends: For years it had been my 
mother's wish and mine to have a statue of my father 
in Burlington, and now that that wish has come true 
I am indeed happy. 

"The First Vermont Cavalry is a regiment whose 
record has never been surpassed. General Sheridan 
told a friend of mine that when, as commander of the 
cavalry corps, he needed a regiment on whose valor, 

220 



MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM WELLS 

fidelity, and stubborn fightino- he could always rely, he 
called for the First Vermont Cavalry. 

"It gives me great pleasure, therefore, to honor the 
First Vermont Cavalry by placing on this pedestal the 
bas-relief of the charge which father led at Gettysburg; 
and it is my hope that this statue and bas-relief may 
remind future generations that Vermont raised men 
who dared do even more desperate deeds than that 
famous charge of the Light Brigade at Balaclava. 

"It is a great pleasure to present you, the mayor of 
the city of Burlington, this deed of gift." 

In behalf of the city Mayor Burke accepted the gift, 
and thanked the donor for his generosity and the 
spirit which prompted the erection of so lasting and 
appropriate a tribute to one of Vermont's most gallant 
commanders in the war for the Union and the men who 
followed him. 

After music by the Second United States Cavalry 
band, the exercises were continued by Stannard Post, 
G. A. R., with the address of the day by Rev. I. C. 
Smart, D. D., of Burlington, and closed with the sing- 
ing of "America," the benediction, and the sounding of 
"Taps." 

Whereafi, Frank Richardson Wells, the son of Major- 
General William Wells, has placed upon the monu- 
ment erected in honor of his father in Battery Park, 
Burlington, a bronze relief panel depicting the des- 
perate charge made by the First Regiment Vei-mont 
Cavalry and its gallant Commander, the said General 
Wells, at Gettysburg on the afterno(m of July S, 1863; 

therefore, be it 

221 



IN AFFECTIONATE MEMORY OF 

Resolved, That we, the members of the Regiment 
here assembled, do most deeply appreciate the honor 
conferred upon us by Mr. Wells in thus perpetuating 
the memory of our distinguished Commander and of 
the First Vermont Cavalry. 

Resolved, That is this beautiful monument, standing 
near the earthworks and cannon commemorative of 
the War of 181'2, and near the Old Fair Ground, where 
the Regiment rendezvoused before it left A ermont for 
front on the 14th of December, 1861, the youth of our 
city and State will have a lasting object lesson in true 
patriotism, unfliuching courage, and soldierly obedience, 
and a memorial of the valor of those sons of Vermont, 
who on that day paid to their country the uttermost 
tribute of devotion. 

Resolved, That a copy of these Resolutions be given 
to Mr. Frank Richardson Wells, to the First Vermont 
Cavalry Regimental Association, and to the press. 

Passed by the survivors of the First Regiment 
Vermont Cavalry at Burlington, Vermont, May 
30, 1914. 

Whereas, Frank Richardson Wells, a Companion of 
the Vermont Commandery, Military Order of the 
Loyal Legion of the United States, has given to the 
city of Burlington a replica of the monument erected 
July 3, 1913, by the State of Vermont on the battle- 
field of Gettysburg in honor of his distinguished father, 
Major-General William Wells, and of the First Regi- 
ment Vermont Cavalry; therefore, be it 

Resolved, That we. Companions of the Vermont Com- 
mandery, put on record our deep appreciation of this 

222 



MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM WELLS 

generous act of our Companion in thus perpetuating 
tlie memory of one who was a charter member and its 
first Commander: 

Resolved, That we regard tliis memorial as a fitting 
tribute to the valor of one of ^ ermont's most gallant 
officers and to the bravery of a regiment which partici- 
pated in seventy-six battles and combats, and won for 
itself a record second to none in the armies of the 
Union : 

Resolved, That we regard this monument as a per- 
petual educator in true patriotism, destined to teach 
successive generations of our youth more fervently to 
love and more faithfully to serve their country: 

Resolved, That these Resolutions be spread upon the 
records of this Commandery, and a copy sent to Mr. 
Wells and to the press. 

Passed by the Vermont Commandery, Military 
Order of the Loyal Legion of the LTnited States, 
at its annual meeting. May 12, 1914, held in 
B ur 1 ington , A erniont . 

Whereas, Frank Richardson Wells, a Companion of 
the Vermont Commandery, Military Order of the 
Loyal Legion of the L'nited States, and a member also 
of the Sons of Veterans, has given to the city of Bur- 
lington a replica of the monument erected July 3, 1913, 
by the State of Vermont on the battlefield of Cicttys- 
burg in honor of his distinguished father, jVIajor- 
General William Wells, and of the First Regiment 
Vermont Cavalry; therefore, be it 

Resolved, That we, Coun-ades of Stannard Post No. 2, 
Grand Army of the Republic, i)ut on record our deep 

223 



IN AFFFXTIONATE MEMORY OF 

appreciation of this generous act of our townsman in 
thus perpetuating the memory of one who was a brave 
soldier and a successful general: 

Resolved, That we regard this memorial as a fitting 
tribute to the valor of one of Vermont's most gallant 
officers and to the bravery of a regiment which partici- 
pated in seventy-six battles and combats, and won for 
itself a record second to none in the armies of the 
Union : 

Resolved, That we regard this monument as a per- 
petual educator in true patriotism, destined to teach 
successive generations of our youth more fervently to 
love and more faithfully to serve their country: 

Resolved, That these Resolutions be spread upon the 
records of Stannard Post, and a copy sent to Mr. Wells 
and to the press. 

Passed by Stannard Post, G. A. R., at its meet- 
ing, May 15, 1914. 

To All Persons to Whom These Presents Shall 
Come, Greeting: 
Whereas, The undersigned, Frank R. Wells, of Bur- 
lington, in the County of Chittenden and State of 
Vermont, on the 27th day of April, 1914, by a com- 
numication in writing under that date addressed to the 
Mayor and Board of Aldermen of said city, did propose 
to erect and dcmate to said city a bronze statue of his 
late father. Brevet Major-General William Wells, to be 
placed upon a suitable pedestal of Barre granite, with 
tablets showing among other things the subject at the 
head of his command leading the First Vermont Cav- 
alry charge at Gettysburg; and, 

224 




Lot ok (iKNKIlAI. Ull.l.lVM WkI.I.S, I.AKK ViKW ("KMHIKUV, HitKI-INCTON VH.IiMdM' 



MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM WELLS 

Whereas, In said communication the undersigned in- 
dicated that it was his desire to have said statue erected 
in Battery Park owing to the historic and miHtary asso- 
ciation connected with that site and the nearby "Old 
Fair Grounds," where the above-named cavahy was in 
1861 mustered into service; and 

Whereas, The undersigned in said commimication 
further proposed to erect said statue, pedestal, fomi- 
dation, and tablets, and grade the grounds about the 
same without expense to said city upon condition that 
said city shall from time to time keep the same in good 
repair and condition, and that said statue shall con- 
tinue to occupy the site in Battery Park then chosen by 
said city and the undersigned ; and 

Whereas, Said city by resolution of the City Council, 
approved April "28, 191-1, and recorded in volume P2, 
page 58, of the records of the Board of Aldermen, did 
accept said proposition and monument upon the terms 
stated in the aforesaid communication; and 

Whereas, Said Frank R. Wells has heretofore erected 
said statue in pursuance with the terms of said com- 
munication and resolutions; and 

Whereas, Said city hath on its part undertaken, and 
doth by the acceptance of this deed of dedication 
undertake, to keep the same in good repair and condi- 
tion, and that said statue shall continue to occupy the 
site whereon the same now stands. 

Noiv, therefore, Be it known that I, Frank R. Wells, 
in consideration of the aforesaid undertakings of the 
grantee and other good and valuable considerations, 
have dedicated, remised, released, and forever quit- 
claimed, and do hereby dedicate, remise, release, and 

225 



IMAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM WELLS 

forever quitclaim unto the city of Biu'lington aforesaid 
all right and title which I, the said Frank R. Wells, 
have in and to the aforesaid bronze statue of my late 
father, Brevet Major-General William W ells, with the 
aforesaid tablets, pedestal, and foundation now stand- 
ing in said Battery Park in said city. 

To Have and to Hold all my right and title in and to 
said statue, tablets, pedestal, and foundation to said 
city of Burlington, to its own proper use. benefit and 
behoof forever, subject, however, to the aforesaid stip- 
ulations and conditions. 

In Witness Whereof, I hereunto set my hand and seal 
this 29th day of May, A. D. 1914. 

In Presence of 

(Signed) J. E. Cushman, (Signed) 

(Signed) Florence M. Moore. Frank R. W'ells 



t 



State of Vermont, 
Chittenden County, 

Personally appeared at Burlington, in said County, 
Frank R. Wells, the signer and sealer of the above- 
written instrument, and acknowledged the same to be 
his free act and deed, this 29th day of May, A. D. 1914. 

Before me, 

(Signed) J. E. Cushman, 

Master in Chancery. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



013 700 563 3 




